If you have been working for years at your job and steadily climbing the career ladder, it can be a devastating feeling to suddenly find yourself with a medical condition that affects your ability to work. You may have many questions about how to continue supporting yourself and your family. Thankfully, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program could provide assistance in your time of need.
If you think you may qualify, talk to a Findlay SSDI benefits lawyer about your situation. The experienced SSD attorneys at Schaffer & Associates can help you understand what you may be eligible for under the SSDI program and help you apply for benefits.
The federal Social Security Administration (SSA) administers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which provides monthly payments to people with disabilities with limited ability to work. SSDI is similar but separate from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which also provides monthly payments to people who cannot work.
The key difference between them is that SSDI is a type of “insurance” that requires an applicant to have a sufficient work history to be eligible. Generally, an applicant must have worked for at least five of the past ten years to qualify for benefits.
An applicant must have a disabling condition that is expected to last for at least one year and significantly limits the applicant’s ability to work. The SSA is strict when it comes to determining if someone has a qualifying disability, but they generally define it as a condition that significantly limits someone’s ability to perform basic work-related activities like standing, sitting, or lifting. The following are just a few potential qualifying conditions considered by SSA:
The application process is lengthy, and the SSA will request a lot of information to determine if an applicant is qualified. A knowledgeable lawyer from our firm can help anyone applying for SSDI assistance in Findlay and the surrounding area prepare their applications and provide advice on what to expect during the process.
If the SSA approves an applicant, their monthly payments will vary based on their work history. Applicants may also be enrolled in Medicare after two years to provide medical care. And, because it is a separate program, applicants may also be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
There are also extra benefits for family members like the spouse and children of someone receiving disability payments. However, there is a limit to how much a family can receive, which the SSA refers to as the “family maximum.” Sometimes, payments for the spouse or children will be lowered, so the total amount does not exceed this family maximum.
The SSA recognizes that some people may recover from their conditions enough to want to try working again. As such, the SSA allows some leeway for returning to work without losing SSDI payments. This is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and is defined by a monthly gross income limit of around $1,600. Someone earning less than this amount per month from work will remain eligible for SSDI benefits and will not lose their benefits.
A lot goes into determining how much someone may be able to receive from SSDI, and an experienced attorney can help applicants in Findlay and the surrounding area learn about their potential payments. A dedicated lawyer can also provide support throughout the process and after receiving approval.
If you believe you are eligible, schedule a consultation with a Findlay SSDI benefits attorney from Schaffer & Associates. Our lawyers can help you gather the necessary documents and provide advice for a successful application.
The process is complex, and the SSA will closely scrutinize all applications. With a well-practiced legal professional on your side, you will have a better chance of success. Call today to get started.