Social Security -- Disability
Social security disability is a benefit available for people who are physically or mentally disabled and unable to work at a regular job. These disability benefits are managed by an agency of the United States federal government called the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social security disability benefits are issued in the form of a monthly cash payment issued by check or deposited directly into your bank account.The amount of benefits varies, but depends in most cases on the length of time you worked in the past and how much was earned. For disabled adult children, the social security disability benefits amount is determined by the length of time the parents worked and how much was earned.
Social Security Eligibility
Eligibility is determined in a number of ways. The amount of savings a person has does not affect the decision to issue or deny benefits. There are five basic questions on which applicants are evaluated to determine eligibility. These include the following:
- Are you currently working and making a significant amount of earnings?
- Do you have a medical condition that prohibits you from working?
- Do you have a medical condition (either physical or mental) as defined by SSA?
- Does your disability impair you to the extent you are not able to perform the work of any job you have held in the past 15 years?
- If you cannot perform the type of work you have previously done, can you perform any type of work at all?
Filing for Disability Benefits
In order to claim social security disability benefits, you must apply and file a claim that provides supporting evidence to support your claim. Such evidence includes health records, age, education, and work experience. Applications should be filed at your nearest social security administration office. There is no waiting period. In other words, applications can be filed the same day you become disabled.
Catastrophic disabilities such as terminal cancer will be approved in almost all cases. Others depend on the disability and the extent to which it affects your ability to return to work or to be gainfully employed. A denial of benefits may be appealed in accordance with procedures outlined by the SSA, but should not necessarily be pursued in all cases. Consult an attorney specializing in social security disability benefits in order to determine whether it is worth an appeal.
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