Social Security Benefits and Disability

01/04/09

Social security regulations are labyrinthine, and working out which social security benefits you are allowed to receive can be challenging. To help you, here are some answers to common questions about disability benefits received through Social Security.

You will not be able to get partial disability benefits through SSA. Disability social security benefits are available only to people who are completely disabled and have been so (or are expected to be so) for at least a year. If you wish to file for partial disability, you will need to do so through a state or local program. Being denied disability benefits from SSA will not automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits through state and local programs.

However, you can continue to work while receiving disability social security benefits as long as you are able to work only at a low level or for short periods of time. You total income will be taken into account by the state agency that handles your social security case. If your annual earnings fall under a certain amount, you will still be considered eligible for disability. Note that your highest POTENTIAL income, not your CURRENT income, is the deciding factor: If you could earn above the minimum by changing to a different job that you are trained to do and physically capable of doing, then you will be considered ineligible for social security benefits. You will not be pressured to do work you are not able to perform. The state agency takes into account applicants' health, age, experience, and education when evaluating which jobs they are suited to do. If you need help moving to a better job that would enable you to support yourself, assistance is available.

Many applicants are told by their doctors that there is no further treatment for their condition, but their social security agents ask them to continue visiting doctors. If you are in this position, there is an explanation! First, the state agency in charge of your social security benefits may need more information to evaluate your case, and your regular doctors may not have the equipment or experience necessary to provide it. The agency may arrange for you to see another doctor. The visit is not for treatment; it is simply part of your case evaluation.

Second, even untreatable conditions change, and not all disabilities are permanent. It is a good idea to have regular examinations to track the progress of your condition. Even without treatment, your condition may improve enough to allow you to return to work.

And third, medicine brings new miracles every year. Why let resignation steal a possible cure from you? It is a small nuisance compared to the huge lifestyle benefits you could reap.

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