What We Mean By Disability
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
We consider you to have a qualifying disability under Social Security rules if all the following are true:
- You cannot do work and engage in substantial gainful activity because of your medical condition.
- You cannot do work you did previously or adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers’ compensation, insurance, savings, and investments.
Some Publications That Will Give You More Information On Disability Benefits
The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.
The starter kits provide information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you.
The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and our decision-making process.
Here are some additional resources with information on disability benefits:
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My Benefits Online Member Solution For Disability Claims
Submit and manage your disability claims online through My Benefits, our self-service tool.
- Submit a new disability claim
- Link to existing disability claims
- Access and review your claim documents
- Upload supporting documents
- Track the status of your disability claims
- Review your payment history
- Send and receive secure messages
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Illinois Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer
One of the most common questions a prospective client asks our law firm is How much money will I get if I win my Social Security disability benefits? This is not an unreasonable question, as the average claimant has to wait years to be able to fight for his or her disability benefits. Going through numerous denials not knowing how much money will be won is tough. This is especially true for claimants who are unable to afford their medications, proper medical treatment, or housing.
The Social Security Administration provides a free benefits calculator on their website that can approximate your benefits. to go to the benefit calculator. The online calculator is user friendly and does not take long to use. It should be noted however, that the calculator computes a monthly amount. Back benefits are not addressed using the calculator. This means that the only way to know how much money you would win if your claim is approved for back benefits is to wait for the local district office to send out a letter.
If you would like to know more about the Social Security disability benefits that you may be entitled to, at 312-999-0999. We are a law firm that focuses our practice to helping people with disabilities. We can help you with your claim, even if you have already been denied Social Security disability benefits. We get paid nothing unless we win your claim.
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Consider Legal Help As You Seek Social Security Disability Benefits
Disabilities can have adverse effects on your quality of life, as well as the quality of life of those who depend on you. Health conditions do not take your character into account, and you could be in a difficult position through no fault of your own. You may be able to ease your financial burden with assistance from various benefits programs. You can reach out to our Social Security Disability attorney, who can guide you through the benefits process.
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How Much Are Disability Payments
The maximum you can receive as a monthly payment is equal to 50% of your average monthly salary .
If you are eligible for certain outside income the amount of your IMRF disability payments may be reduced. Click the links below to learn more about how IMRF disability payments are affected by:
We Will Make Sure Your Disability Benefits Application Is Error
If you hire one of our attorneys for tasks related to your SSDI or SSI application, we will ensure your application is accurate and manage the appeals process as necessary. At our firm, we handle all aspects of your claim, from filing your claim to the appeals process, so that you can focus on your health and well-being.
We will help you understand the SSAs designated conditions and related medical requirements and your status regarding those. If you need further medical evaluation to establish your disability, we can advise you if that is the case.
Complete a Case Evaluation form now
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When Do Temporary Disability Benefits Begin
IMRF disability benefits are not paid for the first 30 days of disability.
Temporary disability benefits are effective on the 31st day following the date of disability, as long as you are no longer receiving salary, sick, or vacation pay from your IMRF employer.
If you are still getting paid, your benefits will begin the day after the last day you were paid. If you receive compensation from your employer beyond the first 30 days of your disability, IMRF temporary disability benefits will be effective the day after your compensation has stopped. IMRF disability benefits are not payable if you are receiving compensation from your employer.
Sending Your Application For Review
Before you submit your application, you should make sure that its filled out completely and correctly. Submitting an application with incorrect information can lead to delays that make the application process much more difficult.
Our attorneys at Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates are experts in the field of disability benefits. Well ensure that everything on your application is complete and accurate, helping your chances of receiving a timely decision.
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Prudential Long Term Disability
Prudential Long Term Disability is an optional program available to eligible faculty and staff to supplement income in the event of a disability. Employees may participate in the Prudential Long Term Disability plan in addition to the SURS disability benefit program.
New employees who apply within 60 days of their date of hire only need to complete the Prudential LTD Enrollment form, additional underwriting is not necessary. Employees applying outside of the initial 60 day new hire phase must complete the Enrollment form and the Evidence of Insurability form.
Please review the Prudential Long Term Disability brochure for further plan information.
Phone number 866-439-9026
How Long Will I Wait For My First Payment Once My Ssdi Claims Approved
Six months from your SSDI application date is the soonest youll get your first Illinois disability check. Actual wait times vary, but each SSDI application takes about 3-5 months to process. Federal law enforces a five-month waiting period before any applicant can receive monthly SSDI benefits. If youre out of work for five or more months before you apply, you can skip that wait time. Just dont wait too long to file your SSDI claim for Illinois disability benefits! Want to double your chances for approval the first time you apply? Have an attorney file your application. Legally, an Illinois disability attorney cant charge you anything unless the SSA grants you benefits. Right now, SSDI claims take 410 days to process, on average.
If you apply on your own without a lawyer, the approval rate for first-time Illinois disability claimants is 6%. If denied, you have four chances to appeal. You must do this within 60 days after your denial letter arrives in the mail. Reconsideration is the first appeal step and it takes another 100 days, on average. The approval rate at reconsideration is currently 2%. Denied again? Appeal a second time to plead your case to an Administrative Law Judge . How long that might take depends entirely on where you live. Chicago residents wait just 9 months, on average, for a court date. In Evanston, youll wait about 13 months for your hearing. If the Illinois disability judge approves you, youll wait about 1-2 years for your first SSDI check!
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Whats The Difference Between Short Term Vs Long Term Benefit Periods
The biggest difference between short term and long term disability insurance is the period of time youll receive benefits if youre unable to work. This period is called the benefit period. As the name indicates, short term disability insurance is intended to cover you for a short period of time following an illness or injury that keeps you out of work. While policies vary, short term disability insurance typically covers you for a term between 3-6 months. On the other hand, long term disability is intended to provide benefits for a longer period, and benefit periods for long term disability insurance are usually stated in years: 5, 10, 20 or even until you reach retirement age, depending on your plan.
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Do You Get Full Pay While Out Of Work
No, short-term disability does not pay 100% of your income. Each policy has different parameters for the percentage of pay and the maximum monthly benefit.For example, the New York State plan covers 50% of earnings and tops out at $170 per week, while the California program replaces up to 70% and maxes at approximately $1,357 weekly.
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Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits In Illinois What You Need To Know
There are generally three stages in the application process for Social Security Disability benefits: initial application, reconsideration, and the hearing. In this table, you can see how Illinois compares to the national average when it comes to approval rates at each of those stages.
| Initial Application |
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How Does Cost Of Living Affect Social Security Disability Payments
The Social Security Administration makes payment adjustments each year to people receiving Social Security disability benefits. The adjustment payments made through Social Security retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance , and Supplemental Security Income programs reflect cost-of-living adjustments. This COLA increase is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. For 2021, the COLA adjustment is 5.9% for 2022.
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Applying For Supplemental Security Income In Illinois
Establishing your eligibility for SSI benefits is two-fold. First, you must demonstrate your general eligibility for the program because of your age, disability, or blindness. In general, you qualify for these benefits if:
Next, you must demonstrate your financial eligibility to qualify for Supplemental Security Income in Illinois. There are numerous rules that determine whether a claimant is financially qualified to receive SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration will consider your resources and income. Some types of resources and income are not counted for eligibility purposes, however. These include:
Who Determines If I Am Qualified As Disabled
The Americans with Disabilities Act has established a series of rules and standards that will determine what type of situations qualify as disabilities. To establish a disability in the legal sense, you must fall into one of the determinations found in the ADA and receive a determination the Social Security Administration .
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Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart 2022
Social Security disability payments increased by 5.9% in 2022. See how much you can earn in this Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart guide.
The Social Security disability benefits pay chart applies only to payments through the SSI program. It does not apply if the benefits you receive are through the Social Security Disability Insurance program.
Applying For Surs Disability
To apply for SURS disability, employees must first complete the FMLA application process and exhaust all of their payable benefits. For more information, please review the FMLA/Medical Leave information or contact your Benefits Counselor at 438-8311.
- To learn more about the disability benefit, please review the Long Term Disability information.
Going on a leave of absence may impact your insurance benefits. Please review the Leave of Absence fact sheet for more information.
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What Are The Social Security Benefits Ssdi And Ssi
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal insurance program for people who are disabled and are unable to work. Like other types of insurance, you must have paid into it to qualify and be covered, that is, paid Social Security for the required time period. Supplemental Security Income is a program funded by tax revenues and pays monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have low income and few material assets. In some circumstances, children may qualify for SSI.
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More Specific Conditions That Could Entitle You To Benefits
It is important to note that every applicant presents individual circumstances that could qualify or disqualify them for benefits. With this in mind, some of the specific conditions the SSA lists under its broader medical categories include:
- Depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
These are just some of the many conditions the SSA lists as potential prerequisites for receiving disability benefits through one or more federal programs. Additional context may be required to determine your eligibility and the number of benefits you could receive if you are eligible. As such, these conditions do not automatically qualify you for disability benefits.
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How Much Work Do You Need
In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits.
Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.
The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. In 2022, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,510 in wages or self-employment income. When you’ve earned $6,040 you’ve earned your four credits for the year.
The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when your disability begins. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
For more information on whether you qualify, refer to How You Earn Credits.
Bryant Legal Group: Respected Disability Insurance Lawyers In Illinois
Bryant Legal Group is one of Illinois premier disability insurance law firms. We help people get the short-term disability insurance benefits that they deserve. If you need help understanding the terms and conditions of your employer-sponsored or private LTD policy, well help you evaluate your plan documents and suggest practical next steps.
To schedule your no-risk consultation, contact us at 561-3010 or complete our online form.
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Applying For Disability In Illinois
How to apply and qualify for SSD, SSI in Illinois Disability Applicationfiling an application for disabilitySSI awardQualifying for disabilitybut still workingThe disability decision processqualifies for disability benefitsThere are two ways to approve a disability claimSSA list of disabling impairmentsfunctional limitationsmental functional limitationsRFC, or residual functional capacitydespite their medical impairmentApplying for disability for a child
Talk To Your Doctors And Health Care Providers
When you apply for short-term disability benefits, youll need strong evidence from your medical providers that substantiates your claims. This evidence may include medical records, diagnostic tests , and detailed written opinions that outline your limitations. Thats why we suggest you discuss your eligibility for disability insurance early on with your doctors. If your physicians support your short-term disability claim, youll be in a much better position.
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Is Your Condition Severe
Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering for at least 12 months. If it does not, we will find that you do not have a qualifying disability.
If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, we go to Step 3.
Applying For Disability Benefits
You can call toll free 772-1213 to make an appointment to apply at your local Social Security office. You may apply for SSDI benefits online. You can also start an SSI application online. However, you will need to go into a Social Security office to complete the application. When you apply, you will need to give SSA information about:
- Your medical conditions and treatment,
- How your medical conditions affect your ability to function,
- Information about your past work, and
- Information about your education.
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