How Social Security Disability Benefits Can Help You

How Social Security Disability Benefits Can Help YouHow Social Security Disability Benefits Can Help YouWhat would happen if you became ill or were severely injured and had to stop working? Think it couldnt happen? According to Social Security Online, a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. If a catastrophic event were to occur, not only would you have physical issues to deal with, youd have major financial worries to contend with as well. If a disability insurance policy was included in your benefits package, or if you purchased one on your own, such funds are likely to titelseite the necessary financial support. Financial coverage would also be provided through workmans compensation if your accident was job-related. But what if your ability to work is impaired for an extended period of time and you dont have a disability insurance policy? For those who find themselves in such overwhelming and frightening situations, two program s, both administered by the United States Social Security Administration, may help provide the financial support needed. These programs are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Social Security Online states that the medical requirements for disability payments are the same under both programs, and your disability is determined by the same process. The difference between SSDI and SSI is in the income requirements for each. To be eligible for SSI, one must be considered low-income. Both programs require approved recipients have minimum work credits accumulated by earning money and paying Social Security taxes within the last ten years(Note These requirements vary so it is very important to check with your Social Security Administration representative). How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits In order to qualify for US Social Security Disability Benefits, you must meet certain criteria. A Social S ecurity Administration representative will make the final determination of your eligibility for benefits.Here are some guidelines You must be unable to work or, if you can work, your earnings must issue under a certain amount (a Social Security Administration representative can let you know what that amount is).Your illness or condition must be so severe that it interferes with certain work-related activities.Your conditionmust appear on a list of impairments maintained by the Social Security Administration.If you have a condition not appearing on the SSAs list of disabling conditions, you may still be eligible if it is severe enough to keep you from doing the work you previously did. Your illness must keep you from adjusting to work that is different from the work you did prior to having your disability.Your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death. If you meet the primary criteria listed, learn more about the process to apply for disability benefits by v isiting Social Security Onlines Disability Planner section, or by calling or visiting your local Social Security Administration office.