Approximately one in six working-age Americans has a disability that impacts their daily lives. Disabilities can be unexpected, whether from an accident, health condition, or an injury sustained at work. Regardless of the circumstances, being faced with a disability is challenging in its own right, not to mention the economic hardship that often comes with it.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals can no longer work due to a long-term illness or injury. People who have paid into the program through income taxes may qualify to receive this type of government benefit. Our team hopes these facts about Social Security disability benefits help you better understand your eligibility for SSDI.
Workers Can Earn SSDI Coverage
Because Social Security is funded through federal payroll taxes, individuals must pay an adequate amount of Social Security income taxes to qualify for SSDI. The amount of work credits an individual must earn to qualify for disability benefits will depend on their age at the onset of their impairment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide support for disabled individuals by replacing a portion of their income if they cannot work.
The Definition of Disability
The SSA has a strict definition of disability. Individuals are considered disabled by the SSA if they are unable to engage in substantially gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment. Generally, a person must be unable to work due to a serious medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Social Security benefits are not available for temporary or partial disabilities.
Disability Can Happen to Anyone
Disability can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age. Approximately 25% of 20-year-olds will be faced with a disability before full retirement age due to severe medical conditions, like cancer and mental illness.
SSDI Payments
According to data from April 2021, the average monthly Social Security disability benefit is $1,280. This monthly compensation is meant to help disabled individuals meet their basic needs if they are no longer able to work.
The SSA Works to Prevent Fraud
The SSA works closely with the Office of the Inspector General to identify and prosecute fraudulent claims. One of the most effective ways to detect and prevent fraud is an investigation into suspicious claims by the Cooperative Disability Investigations program early in the process before benefits are awarded. The SSA makes an effort to find and stop fraud before it happens.
Social Security Can be a Stepping Stone to Returning to Work without Losing Benefits
Because disabilities can happen so suddenly, disabled individuals often make an effort to re-enter the workforce. Still, they fear losing their benefits once they have secured a job. However, the SSA actively connects individuals to free employment resources. A member of our team can help individuals re-entering the workforce pursue different disability benefits from the SSA.
Contact an Experienced SSDI Attorney
Filing for SSDI benefits can be a complicated process, especially when dealing with a severe medical condition. If you are suffering from a physical or mental impairment that affects your everyday life and job responsibilities, you may be qualified to receive disability benefits from the SSA. Reach out to the Khaki Law Firm today and speak with a Social Security disability representative about your eligibility.
