Ssdi -the Process Is Improving; The Benefits Are Not

Ssdi -the Process Is Improving; The Benefits Are Not

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Social Security Disability at a Glance:

Social Security Disability pays a modest income to individuals who are no longer able to work because of a disabling medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) grants disability benefits through two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI). Each pay period, the SSA taxes workers a portion of their pay to fund the Social Security and Medicare programs. It is from this pool of funds that Social Security Disability payments are made. The general idea is that one must have paid into the Social Security Program in order to receive Social Security Disability payments.

The Nuts and Bolts of SSDI:
It sounds simple, yet the process is anything but. The actual tests used to determine if and how much a person receives are more complicated. The Social Security Administrations criteria for determining whether a person is considered disabled is quiet stringent.

All of the following six conditions must be met.
1. Meet the requirements for both the recent work and duration of work tests.
2. A physical or mental condition, which renders and individual unable to work and is expected to last at least one year.
3. The disabling condition must be severe.
4. The medical condition must be on the SSAs List of Impairments.
5. The medical condition must keep the individual from performing the same type of work performed before the disability occurred.
6. Because of the medical condition and other factors, such as age and skill level, the individual cannot perform another type of work.

Recent Improvements in the Disability Determination Process:

In recent years, the Social Security Administration has become increasingly more efficient with regard to Social Security Disability decisions. Much of the infamous backlog has been eliminated, and new programs are enabling the SSA to make decisions faster. Certain medical conditions, about 4.5% of all applicants, may receive a decision in days versus months. In 2009, the average waiting time for a decision was 101 days. If a person is denied disability benefits, they may file an appeal.

The Reality:

Regardless of the improvements made by the SSA, a 101 day wait is still 101 days without an income. Many people are denied and have to file an appeal. For some claimants, hiring an attorney is the only way to get disability benefits. An attorney is better able to interpret the rules and regulations used by the SSA and can present the case to an Administrative Judge.

Receiving disability benefits is a welcome relief for some of the millions of applicants each year. However, no one gets rich from disability payments. In fact the average payment per month in 2010 was $1066.45, barely enough to provide food and shelter. And, out of that $1066.45 received each month, the disabled individual has to also pay for all medical care and medications needed. In two years, a person receiving SSDI is eligible for medical coverage under Medicare. This is a typical government paradox. If an individual is determined to be disabled, it would logically follow that the individual requires medical treatment to get better. And they will get it, in two years.

This article was not written by an attorney, and should not in any way be considered legal advice. Please contact an attorney in your local area for information relating to your specific case.

About the Author:
Further reading: Attorney Adrian Philip Thomas with offices located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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