Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are something most people don’t understand until the day comes for them to need them. To make sure you’re not confused about the specifics of filing your claim, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a few of the most common Social Security disability benefits myths that you may have heard below so we can clear up a few misunderstandings.
Myth: You Can’t Apply For SSD If You’re Trying To Claim Unemployment
The truth is, unemployment is taking longer and longer to receive these days, resulting in many disabled applicants pursuing disability benefits at the same time. Whether or not you will qualify all depends on your unique circumstances. To learn more about your eligibility for disability benefits specifically, we encourage you to bring all questions to our knowledgeable Social Security disability attorneys at Aiello Law Group.
Myth: You Have To Be Disabled For A Certain Period Of Time To Apply For SSD
Anyone who experiences an illness or injury that is expected to leave them disabled for no less than one year, or be terminal, is eligible to apply for Social Security disability benefits; and encouraged to apply as soon as possible to assure all entitlements are received.
Myth: You Can’t Apply If You Haven’t Worked Long Enough
While it is true that you must have a certain number of work credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, it’s also true that the number of credits you need depends on your age. For most people, needing 40 credits is standard. If you’re much younger though, you may need a lot less. To find out how many credits you have/need to receive disability benefits now, speak with our Social Security disability attorneys right away.
Myth: You Should Wait Until Your Condition Worsens Before Applying For Benefits
No matter what type of disability you have, you should never wait to apply for the benefits you need to pursue proper care. Needing to wait a certain period of time, or until your condition worsens, to qualify benefits is entirely false, and can even put your future health at risk. So long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you have a chance of being approved. Besides, the process takes time anyway, and if you wait too long (five years) your work credits can expire and make you ineligible to apply, so it’s best to just apply as soon as possible.
Myth: Only People Over The Age Of 50 Can Qualify For Benefits
Disability does not discriminate by age, and neither does the Social Security Administration (SSA). In fact, over 1-in-4 people in their 20’s are likely to become disabled prior to hitting traditional retirement age. The key to getting approved, no matter your age, is simply having the right Social Security disability attorneys by your side.
Myth: You Will Lose Your Medicaid/Medicare If You Try To Work
This is not true at all. So long as you’re receiving benefits, you have insurance. Even if your benefits stop because you’re making too much money, your Medicare can still last for up to 93 months, and your Medicaid shouldn’t change at all because you’re earning income. In fact, even if you’re making too much money to qualify, there’s still a chance you can keep it if you talk to the right Medicaid reps.
Myth: You Will Lose Your Benefits If You Use Your Ticket To Go Back To Work
If you’re working with a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or Employment Network as part of a Ticket program, and achieving “timely progress” within your work plan, the SSA will not investigate your medical condition unless a continuing disability review (CDR) was already scheduled prior to you using your ticket.
For more truths about Social Security disability benefits, and what it takes to receive them, get in touch with our esteemed Social Security disability attorneys at Aiello Law Group anytime. Call us, today, at 313.964.4900 or fill out the form in the sidebar or on our contact page, and learn more about how we can help you.