Social Security Disability

We all know that accidents can happen, we just don’t always think that they can happen to us. If an accident does happen, and it leaves you disabled, it can make you feel overwhelmed and clueless as to what to do. Most of the time, you are so focused on work and reaching your career goals and caught up in your everyday life that disability safety nets are the last thing on your mind. Fortunately for you, Social Security has you covered.

Disability Defined

Disability can be defined in many ways but under Social Security, it should mean total disability. Social Security will only pay benefits for total disability and not for partial or short-term disability. In this case, disability is tantamount to one’s inability to work and you will be considered “disabled” when you are unable to do the work that you used to do. Another factor taken into account is the length of time that the disability will affect you. To qualify for social security disability if must expected to last for a year or more, or is expected to result to death.

All these conditions must hold true in order for your status to be qualified as a disability and for you to receive benefits. Otherwise, it is assumed under the Social Security program that working families are able to access other support resources when faced with short term disabilities, such as other compensation, investments, insurance, and savings.

Social Security Qualifications

For you to qualify for social security disability benefits, you must have had jobs that cover Social Security. Your kind of medical condition should also meet the definitions set by Social Security in relation to disability. Typically, monthly benefits are paid to those who cannot work for at least a year or even more due to a disability.

In most cases, the benefits will continue until you can work again regularly. The transition will not be easy so special work incentives in the form of health care coverage and continued benefits may be provided during that time. Should you continue to receive disability benefits until you reach your full retirement age, the disability benefits will be automatically converted to retirement benefits, while keeping the amount the same.

When to Apply for Disability

The moment you become disabled is the right time to apply for disability benefits because it will start on the 6th full month of the disability. The waiting period starts on the 1st full month after that date when Social Security has decided your disability began. While the wait time in Florida is lower than in some other states, it is important to file your paperwork as soon as possible to make sure that you receive compensation as soon as possible. Any delay in filing could result in delays in receiving disability benefits.

For both Social Security Disability, you will be asked to provide medical and other information to help the courts decide whether or not your current situation indeed meets their definition of disability.

We have some other resources available on our website regarding social security disability cases:
FREE Social Security Disability Guide
10 Myths about Social Security Disability
5 Tips to Winning Your Social Security Case
How to Move Forward after an SSD Denial

At Seff & Capizzi Law Group, we regularly assist clients with their SSD cases and provide valuable information for those who are interested in filing appeals from their initial denial. We are happy to assist clients in filing their reconsideration claims after the Social Security Administration issues their initial denial. If you are looking to file your initial SSD case claim, you can download our guide here and file your application online here.

If you need assistance with your SSD reconsideration case, please call us at (954) 920-9220. We have over 40 years of experience and offer a free consultation. We do not charge an up-front fee for social security legal representation. Click here for more information about social security disability and how Seff & Capizzi can help.