Filing for SSDI benefits is often a requirement in your LTD policy. Failure to comply could result in a negative impact to your ongoing LTD payments.
SSDI benefits are for workers (and eligible family members) that have paid FICA taxes on their income. This is an income protection benefit to protect you from financial hardship should you become disabled and unable to work. Not only will this provide a monthly income, but you will also be entitled to Medicare insurance benefits 24 months after your SSDI entitlement date. Receiving SSDI now will protect your future Social Security retirement amount.
If you had a prior marriage that lasted at least 10 years or ended in death, you may be entitled to a benefit based on his/her earnings record. In order for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure that you receive the highest benefit you are entitled to, it is important that this information is provided.
There is a limit to what one may receive when eligible for both Social Security Disability benefits and Workers’ Compensation. In order for SSA to determine if you are above or below that limit, they require you provide them with information regarding any prior or current WC claims you have filed.
SSA evaluates the combined impact that all of your conditions would have on your ability to work. While some conditions may not be disabling by themselves, they may contribute to the reason you are unable to work. Obtaining medical evidence from each of your current medical providers will allow SSA to properly evaluate that.
As part of the SSDI evaluation process, SSA will consider whether or not you would be able to perform any work that you have done within the last 15 years. SSA needs you to provide a description of the work you did and how you performed it in order to do so.
Social Security has programs to encourage and assist individuals in getting back into the workforce. An award of SSDI benefits does not mean that you must remain disabled forever. If you do return to work once awarded benefits, you must contact the SSA to report your earnings. If you return to work before a decision is made, contact SSDC right away, and we will guide you through what happens next.
SSA will use this information to set up direct deposit, should you be awarded benefits.
Yes, please provide all current medications.
SSA will send you a copy of the information that is submitted online. This is for you to review, sign, and return to them. Once returned, SSA will consider your application officially filed and forward it on to Disability Determination Services (DDS). There, the medical development begins. Records will be requested from your medical providers and questionnaires may be sent to you regarding your daily activities. Don’t worry, SSDC will be there to assist you through this and ensure DDS gets the information they need. It typically takes 4-6 months for a decision to be made at the application level.
It averages 4-6 months for SSA to make a decision at the application level.
Unfortunately, many very deserving individuals are denied benefits at first. We will be here to guide you by reviewing your information and filing an appeal, if warranted.