Determining Your Eligibility For Social Security Disability Benefits

iv id="body">five of the last 10 years. You must become disabled
Many people do not realize they are eligible toand unable to work prior to reaching your retirement
receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)age, which has a range of 65 to 67. You also must
benefits. Misunderstandings and confusingqualify as disabled due to illness or debilitating disability
government processes prevent people from receivingunder the SSA's definitions. A professional SSDI
the disability benefits they deserve. Unfortunately,representative stays up-to-date on the recent
many Americans exhaust their own savings andchanges and additions to these definitions and is
financial resources before finally applying for thesefamiliar with this complicated evaluation and application
benefits. Even worse, some people go withoutprocess.
necessary medical care that could have easedThe first questions asked by the Social Security
medical problems, helping them to live better andAdministration are about income and employment for
possibly get back to work sooner.five of the last 10 years. If a person engages in
People with chronic, debilitating disabilities and illnesses"substantial gainful activity" and earns more than
often face overwhelming difficulties due to their$980 per month, they do not qualify for SSDI
unfortunate medical condition(s). Aggravating thebenefits. Next, they factor in the severity of a
problem, living on no income or a reduced income canperson's disability and the extent to which it
keep these individuals from receiving the healthcareinterferes with job performance. In addition, the
they deserve. This article looks at the confusiondisability must either meet or exceed a suitable
surrounding applying for SSDI benefits and showsmedical listing.
how Social Security disability benefits can make aThe Social Security Administration then evaluates
huge difference in people's lives.work the applicant performed in the past despite the
Expert Advice Is Keydisability, denying SSDI benefits if an applicant
All conditions and illnesses covered by Social Securitydemonstrates they can still work. However, if an
disability benefits have certain criteria that deem aapplicant cannot perform their job, the Social Security
person eligible or not. This is why expert advice fromAdministration evaluates his or her work experience,
a professional company is crucial to receiving anage, mental and physical status, and education to
award. For example, a person with AIDS may receivedetermine if the applicant can perform another type
SSDI benefits due to the symptoms of AIDS,of work.
including neurological and hematological abnormalities.What SSDI Provides
Medical conditions like fibromyalgia, bulging discs,After being a productive and self-sufficient worker,
anxiety, skin and sleep disorders, chronic liver disease,many individuals with debilitating illnesses and
diabetes, and others can qualify a person for Socialdisabilities find themselves at a loss as to how to
Security disability benefits. It's always in your bestfunction in their daily lives. SSDI benefits provide a
interest to find out if you might qualify to receiveregular monthly income and annual increases generally
SSDI benefits before you start the applicationtied to the rise in the cost of living. Recipients also
process. Unfortunately, if you don't understand thereceive Medicare medical benefits 24 months after
application process, you may not receive yourcash entitlement to Social Security disability benefits.
entitled benefits. Luckily, a professional SSDIMedicare includes Part A hospital benefits, Part B
representation expert has the expertise necessary tomedical benefits and Part D prescription drug
ensure you receive the maximum Social Securitycoverage, plus the option of choosing from several
disability benefits possible.Medicare Advantage plans. Those qualifying for
Qualifying for SSDIbenefits also may receive an 11-month extension of
The eligibility, application, and awarding of SSDItheir COBRA benefits.
benefits processes baffle most people and rightly so.The complex process of applying for Social Security
While basic determining factors can give a person andisability benefits often prevents qualified people
initial look at the possibility of qualifying during thefrom receiving their SSDI benefits. However,
application process, professional companies have a farindividuals can increase the likelihood of receiving an
better likelihood of success. Unfortunately, individualsaward by consulting a professional SSDI benefits
unfamiliar with the complexities of the process don'tcompany that can help protect long-term disability,
usually fare as well as those who consult an expert.retirement and dependent benefits. A professional
A professional company can keep the process simple,claims services company also can make the
eliminating frustration, confusion, stress, and timecomplicated application process simple and stress
wasted on lengthy appeals.free. Once you receive SSDI benefits, you also
Determining eligibility for Social Security disabilityreceive access to return-to-work incentives, which
benefits involves a step-by-step process. First, youallow you to try returning to work while continuing to
must have held gainful employment where you paidreceive Social Security disability benefits.
into the Social Security Administration program for