Severe medical conditions and injuries can potentially prevent you from carrying out everyday activities and earning a living for your family. If the disability stops you from engaging in work, you might be eligible for the Social Security Disability benefits by the SSA (Social Security Administration).
People with disabilities often have many questions about the legal procedure of applying and obtaining their disability benefits. Let’s look at some of the common questions and their answers.
What is the Amount of Compensation?
The amount of compensation you’ll receive monthly depends on whether you’re receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). But what’s the difference between the two, you ask?
SSI
Certain people with low income are eligible for SSI benefits. The maximum amount an individual can claim is around $800. And the upper limit for a couple, if both qualify for the benefits, is around $1200.
The amount you’ll receive can be reduced if you’re receiving other incomes or benefits, like workers’ compensation, veterans’ benefits, earnings from working, or unemployment income.
SSDI
Benefits under SSDI, on the other hand, are calculated according to your average income before you were disabled. Any income from that period, which had Social Security taxes, will be included when calculating your average income. The average amount is then paid out monthly by the SSA.
How Long Can I Avail SSD Benefits?
You can get the SSD benefits for the time you’re considered disabled under the strict definition set out by the Social Security Administration. The SSA periodically reviews the medical conditions of claimants to determine if they still qualify for the monthly benefits.
These reviews are known as CDR or Continuing Disability Reviews. Depending on the nature of the medical condition, these might be planned every year. Moreover, the recipients must report any changes in their medical conditions.
When Do the Benefits Stop?
You may stop to receive benefits under any of the situations listed below:
- The claimant is earning enough money– If the claimant’s income and benefits increase more than the SGA or substantial gainful activity level, their benefits will discontinue.
- The person successfully finishes a trial work period– Once the claimant starts making above a certain level of income, it initiates a trial work period. For instance, in 2019, a person continuously earning $880/month for at least 9 months will be disqualified from SSD benefits.
- The person is no more disabled– If the person’s medical condition changes such that they no longer meet the disability definition of SSA, their benefits will lapse.
- The person reaches their retirement age– When the person reaches their retirement age, they stop receiving SSD benefits because they start receiving their retirement benefits instead.
If you want to know more about applying for SSDI benefits, The Law Offices of Lisa Douglas can help you. Lisa Douglas is a Social Security Disability lawyer in Arkansas and can assist you in obtaining SSD benefits.
She is also a personal injury lawyer. So, if you’re interested in booking a consultation, call 501-798-0004 or visit the website.
