Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income

April 22, 2021 | O’Connor Law

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two programs that are administered by the Social Security Administration to provide benefits to eligible applicants. There are currently millions of Americans that rely on these programs every day. SSDI and SSI are two important programs that supply assistance to certain people that have a disablement, impairment, or limited income and resources.

Also known as SSD, Social Security Disability Insurance administers benefits to people that become disabled before they reach retirement age. As defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that provides benefits to people that are “insured”. This means that the person has worked for a specific amount of time and has paid Social Security on their payroll. The number of years that a person worked before they became disabled is also taken into consideration. In addition, the applicant must provide valid evidence of their disablement that is confirmed by medical professionals and that it complies with the Social Security Administration’s definition of the disability.

Supplemental Security Income provides assisted benefits to people who are over the age of 65 or have impairments, such as blindness, and disablements. Contrary to SSDI, this program is based on limited income and resources. Supplemental Security Income can help people receive Medicaid to help pay for medical expenses. In some circumstances, applicants can also qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As referred to as “food stamps”, SNAP grants benefits to individuals or families in order to pay for their food expenses. Created to assist people with limited income and resources, SSI provides monthly payments in order for people to receive daily necessities, including food, water, and shelter.

The Application Process

April 22, 2021 | O’Connor Law

The first step to receiving Social Security Disability benefits is to complete an application. It will indicate whether or not your disability is applicable with the Social Security Administration’s Blue book. Once the SSA determines if your case qualifies you for disability benefits, you can potentially receive compensation based on how your disability affects normal functions, such as working. The application will require an individual to provide sufficient evidence to the SSA about their disability and how it restricts them from working and preforming daily functions.

It is recommended for a person to file for Social Security Disability (SSD) as soon as their disablement is diagnosed by a medical professional. People can apply by either completing an application online or calling Social Security directly to schedule a phone consultation. If you are eligible, there is a 5-month waiting period in order for the SSA to decide if your disability allows you to receive compensation. Once you are approved for benefits, disability benefits will not start until the disability has occurred for six full months. This process will help to prove that a person’s disablement restricts them from functioning normally and that it is not a short-term disability.

When completing the Social Security Disability application, the SSA requires that the person provides sufficient and adequate information in order to increase their chance at receiving benefits. As listed on the Social Security Administration’s website, the applicant must provide their Social Security number, proof of their age, contact information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, the dates that they received treatment from medical officials, names and prescriptions of current and past medications, verified medical records, laboratory and test results, a summary of their work history, and their recent W-2 form or a copy of their federal tax return. If someone is applying for Social Security Disability benefits for a family member, they will need to provide the Social Security numbers and proof of their ages for each person. The SSA will also need proof of current and prior marriages, if the person is applicable to this situation. Providing all the necessary information and documentation will ensure that applicants have the greatest potential to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.

Social Security Online Opportunities

April 1, 2021 | O’Connor Law

Social Security applicants are able to both apply for benefit programs in person and online. There are many opportunities for Social Security that are accessible online. People can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits. Participants are also able to estimate their future benefits, check the status of their claims, and create a my Social Security account. Having online access to Social Security information and materials is very beneficial to participants. It enables people to apply, update, and review their Social Security information without going to a Social Security office.

Creating a my Social Security account is safe and secure, and the sign-up process is easy. To create an account, people must provide information, such as their email address, Social Security number, United States mailing address, and age of at least 18 years old. It is important to note that it is impossible to create an account on behalf of another person. By having a Social Security account, people are able to have direct access to their Social Security information and check the status of their benefits. In addition, people are able to check their benefit and payment information, updating personal information, create or revise a direct deposit, and report wages. Statements can come in the mail, but participants are also able to easily view their statements on their account. Since 2013, Social Security supplies benefits to participants using a direct deposit system. Older beneficiaries are also able to receive their payments electronically by updating their information in their my Social Security account. When filing for taxes, individuals will be required to present their Social Security documents. Form 1099 provides documentation of all the Social Security benefits that a person earned in the past year. Also, award letters are important as well. They include information about claims for benefits. Both documents can be accessed by my Social Security accounts.

Applicants are also able to apply for Social Security benefits. On the Social Security Administration’s website, applications are available online for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits. Along with the completed requirements and documents, applicants can complete and submit their application online. While waiting to receive the result of the application, people can look at the status of their application on their my Social Security account. Appeals can also be completed online. For example, if a disabled individual was denied benefits, they are able to request an appeal online.

Potential Changes to Social Security in 2021

December 21, 2020 | O’Connor Law

A new year can prompt new changes for Social Security and their applicants. Multiple sources are claiming that there will be 3 major changes for the program. Since the changes that are only proposed, there is no guarantee they will go into effect in 2021. In addition to the 3 major changes, it is possible that other changes and statues can occur as well. In 2021, it is important to stay informed about Social Security and any new adjustments that they may make. The 3 major potential changes are listed and described below.

There will be a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment.

Beginning in January, the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be set at 1.3 percent. Social Security states that cost-of-living adjustments allow Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to keep pace with inflation. The Social Security Administration determines a formula to calculate COLAs. According to AARP, the monthly Social Security benefits will increase by $20 for the majority of retired workers. As a result, the average annual benefit will be approximately $1,543. Previously, the annual amount was estimated to be $1,523 in 2020. In addition, retired couples and disabled workers will also receive an increase in COLA. Retired couples can potentially receive an increase of $33, and disabled workers can receive an increase of $16. Overall, the greatest monthly payment that people can receive from Social Security would be $3,148, which is an increase from $3,011 in 2020.

Common Myths about Social Security Disability

November 24, 2020 | O’Connor Law

Since it has been established, people have believed certain myths about Social Security Disability. However, not all information that is told about Social Security is correct. For example, statements can be overexaggerated or fabricated. It is important to research information about Social Security directly in order to receive accurate information and facts. Listed below are 10 myths that are common to hear about Social Security Disability. To find the information contained in the following explanations, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov.

A person needs to be disabled for a year before they can apply for disability benefits.

This myth is not true. The SSA lists in their Blue Book that a person qualifies for benefits if they have a disability as a result of an injury or illness that is predicted to endure for at least 12 months. If an employee is diagnosed by a medical official that states their injury will last for over a year and they will be unable to work, they should apply for Social Security Disability as soon as possible.