Enable the Disabled: Social Security Disability Benefits

In 2004, the US Bureau of Census reported that there were around 32 million disabled adults plus another 5 million children and youth in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a 20-year-old worker has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

Given how limiting a physical or mental disability can be to make a living or be fully functional in society, for many, getting their social security disability benefits is the only way to provide for their needs.

But while the number of disabled citizens is high, there are actually only few people with disabilities who get social security benefits. Even with thousands of applications, the SSA rejects around 52% of applications they receive yearly.

Given the high rate at which disability applications are denied, it can be a great benefit to have an attorney with experience in social security and disability laws file the application on behalf of the disabled person. Additionally, if an application has already been denied, a disability lawyer can file an appeal and help get the disability payments approved.

Contents of This Page

1. Eligibility Rules for Disability Payments
2. Disability Programs Available
3. Amount of Disability Payments
4. Appealing a Denied Disability Claim

Social Security Disability Eligibility

Not everyone who has a physical or mental impairment can avail of a social security disability claim. Only total disability is considered and there are no benefits payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

By law, the Social Security Administration has a very strict definition of disability. Disability is based on the claimant’s inability to work. Further, according to the SSA, in order to qualify under the legal definition of disabled, one must: • Be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition(s) • Have a medical condition(s) have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be expected to result in your death

Disability Programs Available

Disability benefits are classified and paid under two programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)- This is given to insured workers, their disabled surviving spouses and children (disabled before age 22) of disabled, retired or deceased workers
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)- This is given to people with little or no income and resources

Depending upon how much time it takes to get relevant medical records and other evidence to prove social disability claims, it may take about 3 to 5 months to get a decision.

Amount of Disability Payments

Once your social security disability application has been approved, claimants may receive $500 to $2,000 a month or more depending on the individual’s earnings history.

However, as previously mentioned, getting your social security disability benefits are no easy task. The rules and requirements for qualification can be technical and legally complicated. Because of incomplete requirements, mistakes on applications, insufficient information, many disabled people are incorrectly denied the benefits they need.

Disability Denials Can be Appealed

For some, the denial of their social security disability benefits can be devastating as this may be the only available source of income they can get since they are incapacitated and unemployed. But denied applications can be appealed.

Like all other social security claims, Los Angeles social security disability claims can take time to process, it can be denied as much as it can be approved. Remember that when filing an application, it is also best to be aware of what can make your application a success. Being disabled doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do anything to help yourself. Consult with an experienced lawyer in social security disability in order to maximize your application.

• This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need help with Social Security,
  click here to consult with a Rodney Mesriani or a Social Security lawyer in your area.

More info from Rodney Mesriani: Social Security Disability Claim