About Social Security Disability: What You Must Understand Prior To Filing For Disability Benefits
A lot of people think of retiring when they hear Social Security, however Social Security provides benefits to people who are incapacitated as well.
The bunch of requirements that must be met for Social Security disability benefits is pretty extensive, and many people don't meet up with those requirements. In fact, the Social Security Administration claims over 60% of applicants are generally denied each year simply because they don't meet the strict definition of disability.
Prior to filing for disability - tests you need to meet to determine if you are eligible to benefits:
First, you need to be fully insured, which means you have earned 40 credits over 10 years in protected employment. In 2011, you must earn at least $1,120 to earn one credit and $4,480 to earn four points (you can only get four credits in a year). If you have less than 10 years of work track record, there is an alternative evaluation based on your age to determine if you meet the duration of work test.
The second test is the modern work test, which essentially says that you must have earned at least 20 credits over the past five out of ten years that ends up with the calendar quarter you became disabled. In general, you will need recent work background in order to qualify for disability benefits. Again, additional tests apply for individuals who become disabled before age 31, since they haven't had time to establish the work history that some older workers have.
Social Security has a very stringent definition of impairment, so make sure you qualify before filling your Social Security disability application. It's important to note that Social Security does not pay benefits based upon partial disabilities, you have to be totally and irreversibly disabled to be receiving benefits. According to Social Security a person is handicapped when he or she is unable to work on account of a medical condition or condition that prevailed or can be anticipated to last for at least one year (continuously), or that will result in the person's loss of life. Also, the person must not be able to engage in any "substantial gainful activity".
If you satisfy the strict definition of handicap above, then you should apply for Social Security benefits as soon as possible. Initially, the time to process your application is extremely lengthy; second, there is a mandatory five-month waiting period, so you will not receive benefits right away when filing for handicap.
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