For those who are unable to work due to a handicap, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes two categories of disability benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program for persons with disabilities who earn less than a specific amount of money.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), on the other hand, does not discriminate against low-income persons. However, you must have worked for a specified number of years and paid Social Security taxes to be eligible for this sort of compensation (in addition to meeting other criteria). If you have questions about the process of applying for benefits or the appeals process, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a legal consultation.
It can be difficult to gain approval
Approval for SSDI compensation can be a lengthy and difficult procedure. Many people are denied benefits after filing an application, and they may need to submit an appeal to be granted assistance. Working with a disability benefits lawyer in California might help you be authorized for benefits.
You may feel that once you’ve been accepted, you’ll be eligible to benefits for the rest of your life. While some people may get payments for the rest of their lives after originally qualifying, there are a variety of ways to lose SSDI benefits.
Improvement of your illness could result in you losing benefits
If your illness improves, you may lose your eligibility for assistance. For beneficiaries of disability payments, the SSA conducts what is known as a Continuing Disability Review. The SSA may terminate your SSDI payments if your health has improved to the extent that you are able to work.
If you’re worried about losing your disability payments, talk to a California disability benefits lawyer on how to answer to a Continuing Disability Review questionnaire. An individual’s benefits may be terminated in some situations because they did not finish their response completely or provide adequate evidence of their continued impairment, rather than because they are able to work.
You could forfeit benefits if you return to work
Only persons who are unable to work due to a disability are eligible for SSDI compensation. If you engage in “substantial gainful activity,” as defined by the Social Security Administration, and earn more than a particular amount of money each month, you may lose your benefits. Individuals who want to try to return to work without endangering their benefits might do it in a number of ways.
A trial work period is what it’s called. If you return to work, you may lose your benefit eligibility. If you are considering returning to work, a knowledgeable California disability benefits attorney can assist you understand your alternatives.
Your benefits will be terminated when you reach retirement age
If you are on SSDI and reach retirement age (now 66), your payments will be terminated. Instead, you’ll get Social Security payments when you retire. Because you cannot receive SSDI and Social Security retirement income at the same time, once you reach retirement age, your disability payments will end.
If you are unable to work due to a handicap, you may be eligible for Social Security payments. Individuals are represented by PLBH throughout the SSDI procedure. To request a consultation with a California disability benefits attorney, call (800) 435-7542.