Extended Period Of Eligibility
Following your trial work period, you will enter a 36-month extended period of eligibility. It is in this period that you can work and still receive benefits only as long as your earnings are less than what Social Security considers substantial. Social Security deducts what they consider work expenses that are a direct result of your disability from your total monthly earnings. These work expenses can range from prescription drug copays, transportation to and from work, and specialized work equipment.
Social Security Disability Benefits: An Overview
The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits under two programs:
Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI provides disability benefits to blind or disabled individuals who are insured based on federal insurance contributions paid into the Social Security Trust Fund. Certain family members can also receive benefits based on a worker’s contributions.Supplemental Security Income SSI provides benefits to individuals who are disabled, blind or elderly, with limited income and resources, including children under age 18, who are disabled, blind or elderly.
The medical requirements that determine who is eligible for disability payments are the same under both programs. Under the Social Security system, disability payments are based on inability to work. Individuals are considered “disabled” if they are unable to do any kind of work and their disabilities are expected to last for at least twelve months or result in death.
How Does The Va Rate Back Arthritis
As with any service-related injury, the VA has a formula for determining if benefits will be awarded and in what amount. The VA assigns each applicant a disability rating based on the severity of the service-related condition. These ratings will be based on evidence from medical professionals, a VA claim exam, and information collected from other sources including federal agencies. If an individual has more than one service-related injury, the ratings can be combined to determine an overall rating for assigning benefits on a combined ratings scale.
In addition, the VA accounts for aggravating factors of a service-related incident. This means that if an individual had an existing condition before entering into service that would have been rated a 10% disability but the act of service aggravated the condition to increase it to a 20% disability, the VA would determine it to be a 10% disability for their rating system.
Back arthritis can certainly be a service-related injury that qualifies for VA disability benefits. The VA will assign a rating based on the severity of the condition. In general, the flexion measurements) of the affected area and the x-ray evidence showing the number of impacted joints will determine the rating.
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Disability Listings In The Blue Book
Disabling conditions that meet the severity level requirements for approval are found in the SSAs Blue Book. Physicians utilize the Blue Book when helping patients know if they meet Social Security disability requirements.
Disability claims examiners additionally use this manual when reviewing applications for eligibility.
The Social Security Administration refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book to determine the qualifying conditions for SSDI. Each section lists the eligible medical conditions, as well as describes the severity of symptoms required to receive financial assistance.
A team of medical examiners from the SSA reviews the medical records that you attach to your claim and then compares the records to the standards established by the Blue Book.
The Blue Book comes into play during the initial claim, as well as the first stage of the appeals process called reconsideration. Here is an overview of the SSDI listings:
1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders: Disorders of the spine or the upper/lower extremities that influence the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
2.00 Special Senses: Abnormalities of the eye that cause a loss of vision.
3.00 Respiratory Disorders: Restriction or obstruction of the lungs that impairs breathing.
4.00 Cardiovascular System: Any medical condition that negatively impacts the functioning of the heart or the circulatory system.
6.00 Genitourinary Disorders: Medical conditions that result in chronic kidney disease.
The Disability Application Process
Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits application process follows these general steps:
- You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the . It will help you gather the information and documents you need to complete the application.
- You complete and submit your application.
- We review your application to make sure you meet our for disability benefits.
- We confirm you worked enough years to qualify.
- We evaluate any current work activities.
- We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
- This state agency makes the disability determination decision.
To learn more about who decides if you have a disability, read our publication .
Once You’ve Applied
Processing time for disability applications vary depending on the nature of the disability, necessary medical evidence or examinations, and applicable quality reviews.
Once we receive your application, well review it and contact you if we have questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can proceed.
Look For Our Response
When the state agency makes a determination on your case, youll receive a letter in the mail with our decision. It generally takes three to six months for an initial decision. If you included information about other family members when you applied, well let you know if they may be able to receive benefits on your record.
Check The Status
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Impairments Not On The Ssas List
Some conditions not listed on Social Security listing of impairments may still qualify you for disability benefits. Among such conditions are celiac disease and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The SSA requires a formal diagnosis showing that your condition causes a “medically determinable impairment” that prevents you from functioning on a full-time basis. In other words, you must be unable to perform your daily activities due to your illness, also referred to as residual functional capacity.
Your disability might be considered equal to a listed condition if it meets the SSA’s requirements. Your doctor must provide you with a diagnosis to prove your condition, but it does not mean you will automatically be approved for benefits.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits
The medical requirements are typically the same for adults to qualify for Social Security or SSI. You will need to demonstrate that the disability makes you unable to sustain substantial, gainful employment.
You can apply as soon as PsA makes it difficult or impossible to perform a job. While theres no requirement for you to have a disability for a certain amount of time before you apply, you will need to show that PsA will prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
More information on qualifying for Social Security and SSI with a PsA disability can be found in the Immune System Disorders or the Musculoskeletal System sections of the governments Disability Evaluation Under Social Security guidelines.
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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.
S On How To Qualify For Ssd Benefits In Dallas Tx
If you suffer from a total disability and cannot work, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. These monthly payments can make a big difference for you and your family. Here, our Texas disability benefits lawyers provide a brief overview of these benefits and the requirements that you must meet to qualify for them.
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How Do I Prove That I Automatically Qualify For Disability Benefits
While there are certain benefits that may qualify you for disability benefits automatically, the Social Security Administration doesnt just rubber-stamp the approval. The SSA requires you to provide extensive medical records that show that your condition will qualify you. Even so, the insurance company could still make the argument that you are ineligible for benefits. The adjuster may look at selective medical records in an attempt to show that you should not be eligible for benefits. This could mean that you are initially denied, but need to prove your condition and need for benefits through an appeals process.
However, it is possible to get approved for disability if it is decided that your condition is limiting enough to keep you from working. This is where finding the right specialist that understands your full condition can be critical. A benefits attorney can help with this process.
In addition, even when you are approved, you may need to provide regular updates to the insurance company and Social Security Administration. Depending on your condition and what you were approved for, there is monitoring to see if you are able to improve to the point of being able to rejoin the workforce.
Kraft & Associates Pc Can Help You Pursue Ssd Benefits
Regretfully, many people face obstacles when they apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, and they must appeal a denied application. At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we have helped injured and disabled Texans since 1971. We can work with you to appeal a denied claim and fight for the benefits you deserve. To get started, contact us today and receive a free consultation.
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Long Term Disability Insurance
Obtaining disability coverage, such as an insurance policy for long-term disability income, is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself. These benefits are designed to act as an income replacement during the time that you are unable to work due to your impairments. If you receive long-term disability insurance benefits you can easily take care of yourself even if you become disabled and are unable to hold a full-time job.
We May Be Able To Provide Legal Help
As a personal injury law firm in Ontario, Canada, Preszler Injury Lawyers has been assisting people with injuries and long-term disability claims since 1959. If you need legal representation to navigate a claim against your insurance company, we are the company for you. Our lawyers support you with a free initial consultation, contingency fees, and direct communication. To speak to us about your legal needs, call now at .
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Your Impairment Does Not Have To Be On The Ssas List
If you want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to note that your impairment does not have to appear on the SSAs list. Examples of such conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome and celiac disease, among others.
However, you must present a formal diagnosis of your condition to the SSA that shows it is a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from functioning in full capacity. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working or performing your daily activities. This reduction in capacity is known as the residual functional capacity.
If your disability meets the SSAs requirements, it might consider it to be equivalent to a listed condition. You must obtain this diagnosis from your doctor to prove your condition, but it is only the start of the process. It does not mean you will automatically receive approval for benefits.
How Much Does Short
Short-term disability pricing varies based on the employees age and weekly compensation. But according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the approximate cost for employers to provide both short- and long-term disability insurance to all private sector workers is 1% of total compensation cost, or $624 per full-time worker, per year.1
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Disorders Of The Musculoskeletal System
- Severe joint dysfunction caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone cancer, etc.
- Reconstructive joint surgery/joint replacement of any weight-bearing joint
- Spine disorders
- Fractures of the pelvis, tibia, femur or tarsal bones
- Severe soft tissue injuries
To qualify for SSDI for a musculoskeletal disorder, the SSA must find extreme limitations regarding your ability to walk, use your arms or move without pain.
Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits
You can apply for disability on your own or with the help of a friend, family member, disability advocate, or Social Security attorney. Applications for SSDI can be filled out and submitted online, via the SSAs website, or you can apply in person at your local Social Security office. You have the option of appealing the SSA’s decision if it is denied initially.
Your doctor is an ally of central importance when you apply for Social Security disability as well. He or she can ensure your medical records are shared in a timely manner with the disability examiner that reviews your claim for benefits. Your doctor can additionally help you understand the various listings for qualifying conditions for SSDI and under which listing youre most likely to be approved for benefits.
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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.
Types Of Disabilities That Qualify For Social Security
Many people believe that disability is only for serious accidents and certain conditions. However, there are many different disabilities that might enable you to qualify for disability benefits. SSDI covers a wide range of medical and health conditions.
There are many physical and psychological conditions that could potentially qualify you for disability coverage. For example, a few qualifying long-term conditions are:
Anxiety
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Are Herniated Discs Considered A Permanent Injury
Herniated discs are a common permanent injury that most commonly results from car crashes or workplace accidents. Anyone who is found liable, including the at-fault driver, may face legal repercussions. Employers who provide insurance coverage for their employees who sustain injuries on the job are eligible for workers compensation benefits.
Herniated Discs: A Common Condition Causing Significant Pain
Herniated discs are common in the spine and can cause significant pain to patients. The pain usually resolves in four to six weeks, but if you aggravate your pain, you may need to restrict your activities or take pain medications, ice/heat therapy, and physical therapy to help you recover.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance is a payroll tax-funded federal insurance program of the United States government. It is managed by the Social Security Administration and designed to provide monthly benefits to people who have a medically determinable disability that restricts their ability to be employed. SSDI does not provide partial or temporary benefits but rather pays only full benefits and only pays benefits in cases in which the disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Relative to disability programs in other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , the SSDI program in the United States has strict requirements regarding eligibility.
People frequently confuse Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income . Unlike SSDI where payment is based on contribution credits earned through previous work and therefore treated as an insurance benefit without reference to other income or assets, SSI is a means-tested program in the United States for disabled children, disabled adults, and the elderly who have income and resources below administratively mandated thresholds. A legitimately disabled person of any income level can receive SSDI.
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Let Us Help You With Your Social Security Disability Claim
Even if you clearly qualify for SSDI benefits, you shouldn’t be surprised if your application for benefits is denied. Unfortunately, the SSA denies many legitimate claims. If you need help filling out your initial application for benefits or fighting for the benefits you deserve, our Roswell Social Security disability lawyers are here to help. Call our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Individual Long Term Disability Insurance
When youre buying disability insurance for yourself either as a standalone policy or to supplement group coverage you have more freedom to tailor it to your needs. As its paid for with after-tax dollars, the replacement income it provides is also tax-exempt. Its most often bought through a financial advisor if you dont have one, or if that person doesnt have much experience with this type of coverage, a Guardian financial professional can give you a disability insurance quote. The cost of an individual LTD policy can vary greatly based on the waiting period and benefit period as well as benefit amount, age, gender, occupation and optional provisions added to your coverage. You can expect to pay between 1% to 3% of your annual salary.
When you discuss disability plans with your financial professional, be prepared to share as much as you can about your financial situation and goals, so that he or she can tailor your disability policy to your needs. Ask a lot of questions and make sure you get clear answers:
- How much coverage can I qualify for?
- How does the definition of disability work? Is it own-occupation or any-occupation? What conditions are covered?
- How long will benefits be payable, and when do they begin?
- Could my policy be changed or cancelled or could my premium increase?
- How do I make a claim if and when needed?
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