If you or a loved one has recently become disabled, you are probably wondering what you should do next. You may be worrying about paying medical bills, supporting your family, and maintaining your quality of life. If you are disabled and struggling with your finances, you may qualify for social security disability insurance benefits.
What are Disability Benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are what most people think of when they hear the phrase “Social Security Disability.” Disability Insurance was designed to provide disabled workers with income; it works like any other insurance policy. In order to be eligible to receive benefits, you pay premiums every month by having Social Security taxes withheld from your paycheck. As long as you continue to pay your taxes, you stay insured to receive benefits.
What if I am unemployed?
If you have recently lost your job or are no longer employed, your SSDI coverage will typically end within five years after the date you stop working. In order to receive your disability benefits, you have to prove you became disabled prior to the date your insurance lapsed.
How do I prove I am disabled?
In order to prove your disability, you must show the following:
- You have a physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that can be shown through medical evidence;
- This impairment or combination of impairments makes you unable to do ANY sort of work on a full time basis;
- You are unable to work for12 consecutive months or more at a level of substantial gainful activity (earning less than $700 per month).
How much money can I expect to receive?
The amount of benefits you will receive each month depends on how long and how much you have paid into Social Security. The longer you work and the more income you earn, the larger the amount you will receive in benefits. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the 2013 maximum disability benefit is set at $2,533. However, most recipients receive much less than the maximum amount. The average disability payment is around $1,100 and most payments fall between $300 and $2,200 a month.
If you are disabled, unemployed, and struggling to pay your bills, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits. If you would like assistance in filing your claim with the Social Security Administration, you can contact the experienced legal team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers to get all your paperwork in order.