The questions listed below are from people like you who have questions about SSDI. We encourage you to read through these questions, our answers, and send a question of your own. Your questions are not shared with the public unless requested.
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How do I know if I am disabled enough to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits? Jennifer R. Philadelphia, PA.
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Jennifer, Social Security benefits are available to individuals who have a severe impairment which has lasted more than 12 months, is expected to last more than 12 months, or is expected to end in death and which prevents them from working. The rules determining whether or not you are disabled are complex and depend on your condition, age, education, and work background. Contact genex Disability to discuss whether you would qualify for SSDI.
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What if I am approved for SSDI and want to go back to work? Chris P. Atlanta, GA.
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Chris, Social Security provides incentives including a “trial work period” for disabled individuals to return to work. The trial work period allows Social Security disability beneficiaries to test their ability to work for at least nine months. During the trial work period, you can receive full benefits no matter how much you earn, as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment and you report your work activity. The trial work period continues until you have completed nine trial work months within a 60-month period.
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What happens to my disability benefits when I reach full retirement age? Kelly M. Denver, CO.
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Kelly, if you are receiving Social Security Disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your benefit will be switched to retirement benefits. Because you have been receiving SSD benefits you may be eligible for a higher Social Security Retirement benefit because of a “disability freeze”. This means that when calculating your retirement benefits, Social Security will ignore the time period during which you received SSD benefits. Have more questions? Contact genex Disability to learn more.
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Does the amount of SSDI I receive ever change? Megan S. Phoenix, AZ.
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Megan, each year, Social Security benefits are increased by a cost of living adjustment or COLA. The amount of the COLA varies from year to year based on the rise in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. In 2009 the COLA will be 5.8%.
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How long does the process take? John T. Austin, TX.
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John, the process for obtaining Social Security can be a long and frustrating one. GE NEX Disability does everything possible to reduce the amount of time it takes to obtain benefits. Currently, however, Social Security is experiencing a backlog of cases at the hearing level. This means that some claimants have to wait as long as 600 days to obtain a hearing. The average wait times vary drastically location. Contact genex Disability to find out how long it is taking to get benefits in your region.
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I applied for SSDI 2 years ago, went to a hearing and was denied. I was not represented at the time, but I feel the Judge made an error and I probably should have had someone appeal it for me but didn’t really understand how to go about it. Can I ever apply again? And, will the agency look at my old case, or is it too late? Susan D. Clifton, NJ
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Susan: Yes you can apply again! As far as the reopening of your previous denial, it will depend on several legal factors. Depending on the error that may have been made by the Judge, depending upon the timing and depending upon your understanding of appeal rights would lead to a decision as to whether you could reopen or if Administrative Finality has been reached. Please let us know if you would like genex Disability to help you decide your options.
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I just talked with someone who said I had to be out of work for at least a year before I could apply for Social Security benefits. I have been out 6 months and am in the middle of a long course of chemotherapy and a second surgery, then radiation. My doctor says it will be a miracle if I can return to work in 2 years. When can I apply? Jason T., Philadelphia, PA
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Jason: No, you do not have to wait! You need to prove you are expected to be unable to work for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or that your condition is expected to end in death . If your doctor can show objective medical information as to why you will not be able to work for 12 months or longer you can be awarded benefits even if you have not been out for a year. We wish you the best with your treatment. Please let us know if we can be of assistance.
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