There are two types of Social Security Disability benefits. There is Social Security Disability Insurance which is also referred to as SSDI. This is a program that replaces some of your lost income if you become disabled. There’s also Supplemental Security Income, also referred to as SSI, which is available to disabled individuals who may not have worked in the past, or worked very little.
Eligibility for Social Security Disability
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability, you must meet certain criteria.
Social Security Covered Employment:
You must have worked in Social Security-covered employment for a certain period of time to collect what are called “work credits.” The number of these needed to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you became disabled. For most cases, you will need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the 10 years prior to applying for disability. If you became disabled at a younger age, it’s possible you don’t need quite as many “work credits” to qualify. The amount needed to earn a “work credit” changes each year, in 2019, you earn one credit for every $1,360 in wages or self-employment earned.
You Must Be Disabled:
Social Security disability benefits are available to individuals who cannot work due to a health condition that’s expected to last for at least one year. You must be completely unable to return to your past work. Social Security will also take into consideration whether your disabling condition will prevent you from returning to work in a similar capacity in a different job.
There are other allowances made for blind individuals and cases that Social Security consider “compassionate allowances.” These are certain cases that will qualify for benefits as soon as diagnosed, due to the severity of the disability.
The Amount You Receive
Your average Social Security taxed earnings are used to establish the amount of your benefits. The amount you will receive from Social Security Disability will be less than what you would receive if you worked until retirement age. The most precise way to find out how much you could receive is to look at your most recent Social Security statement or by using SSA’s online benefits calculator You can view your statement on the Social Security website which has information about Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Ticket to Work
The Ticket to Work program links you with employment services so that you can prepare for work and find a job. Participants in the ticket Ticket to Work programs get assistance from employment support providers known as Employment Networks. Participants get a wide variety of services such as job search assistance, job placement, job coaching, career counseling or vocational rehabilitation support to help them secure and maintain jobs. The Employment Network will help track work incentives usage and available subsidies.. The Ticket to Work program is voluntary and free.
Qualifying for Ticket to Work
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 64, and you receive Social Security Disability benefits, you’re eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work program.
Work Incentives with Ticket to Work
With work incentives, it’s easier for you to work and still receive medical benefits along with cash benefits from Social Security. Work incentives can assist you with transitioning back to work and achieving financial independence. Contact DisABLEd Workers today to see how we can help.