Top Reasons to Apply For SSDI

Top Reasons to Apply For SSDI

As an American, you contribute taxes and other deductions that go towards government services. One of the things being a hard-working citizen entitles you to is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if and when you need it. Many people don’t realize that this is not only something available for those injured at work, like workers’ compensation, but also applies to any illness that prevents you from working a steady job.

If you do find yourself with a disability, even if it is temporary (but you expect will last at least a year), you should consider applying for SSDI. After all, you’ve been paying into the system all these years so you’re entitled!.

Here are the reasons you should apply for SSDI if you need it.

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What Qualifies for SSDI?

There are many medical scenarios that qualify for SSDI including:

• Statutory Blindness: Statutory blindness affects people with vision that is 20/200 or worse (corrected). This type of blindness hinders work as well as other everyday tasks. Benefits are available for those with proof they have the condition.
• Long-Term Illness: This is a more common reason for filing for SSDI. If you have an illness that will keep you from work for more than a year, you could be eligible to collect benefits.
• Terminal Illness: Many people think SSDI only applies to people who are expected to get well or survive their illness. This is not the case. If you have a terminal illness you are eligible for payment with documentation from a medical professional. Terminal illness cases often receive expedited attention.
• Severe Physical Illness: If you are living with severe pain caused by illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and HIV you may qualify for benefits.
• Severe Mental Illness: Disabilities are not just physical. In some cases, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar depression and anxiety people can qualify for SSDI.
• In some cases, you don’t have to be completely disabled. If illness or conditions limit your ability to earn more than what the government consider gainful employment you may qualify for benefits.

Interesting Circumstances

There are some interesting circumstances that can come up when it comes to receiving SSDI. For example, because the SSA wants people to get back to work, they do allow a recipient to work for a trial period while collecting benefits in order to see if that person can truly return to full-time work. This trial period can last up to nine months.

Part of SSDI can also include medical coverage for things such as medication, medical treatment and more. In some cases, housing grants are available to those with poor credit. In an effort to assist those receiving benefits the government will assist in finding housing.

We’re here to fight for you! Contact us for a free assessment.

Reasons to Apply

If you believe you might qualify for benefits but are hesitant to apply, consider these reasons as well:

• Business Opportunities: If you qualify for SSDI you can try starting up a business while collecting benefits. This allows you to find alternate work that you are able to perform despite your current health condition. You can apply for this option online.
• Monthly Payments: Why would you say no to monthly payments to assist while you are unable to work? Again, this is a system you have contributed to throughout your working life. You’ll receive payments each month to help you in your time of need. There’s no shame in it, and it isn’t a handout. It is a benefit for having worked all these years.
• Cost-of-Living Increases (COLA):
• Medicare Benefits: If you receive SSDI cash benefits you automatically qualify for Medicare health insurance two years after you are judged to be entitled for disability benefits.
• COBRA Extension: For SSDI recipients, the length of your Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act benefits could be extended for 11 more months.
• Protected Retirement Benefits: When you reach full retirement your SSDI benefits stop. You then start receiving retirement benefits instead. Your disability benefit and your retirement payment will be very similar.
• Long-Term Disability Benefit Protection: If you have a long-term disability LTD insurance carrier, they will often demand you apply for SSDI.

Remember, if you have paid into this system for years, it was designed to prevent hard-working Americans from suffering severe economic loss due to illness or disability. You can avoid serious financial repercussions such as foreclosures, evictions, and bankruptcies. This program exists for people just like you who have diligently paid Social Security taxes. You are entitled to get some of those contributions back if you have worked the appropriate periods of time but can no longer do it. Do it for yourself and your family members.

Let Princeton Disability Advocates Help

If you live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Eastern Indiana and need help, why not give us a call to discuss your situation? We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case and an opportunity to get to know us. If we do work together, know that we’ll only get a fee if we win your case.