If you’re a contractor, freelancer, or any other kind of gig worker, you likely already know you don’t get to enjoy quite as many benefits as a traditional employee with company benefits. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of luck if something happens to you and you’re unable to work. If you’ve been paying your self-employment taxes, like you’re supposed to, you may still qualify for the assistance you need no matter what happens.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Like the name suggests, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a type of insurance. Its purpose is to replace income for former employees who have a qualifying disability that prevents them from working. Unlike other types of conventional insurance, SSDI is not something you have to enroll in or pay extra for. So long as you pay FICA or self-employment taxes, and you’ve been doing so for at least five of the last 10 years, you should have no problems collecting the assistance you need. Best of all, SSDI benefits are transferable, meaning as long as you are eligible you can take advantage of them no matter how many different organizations you’ve worked for. Additionally, if you end up with a severe disability that prevents employment for 12 or more months, you may also be eligible for other benefits as well, such as Medicare, dependent benefits, and return to work support. Benefits continue for eligible recipients until that person is either able to return to work or they reach retirement age – at which point “old age benefits” activate.
How To Apply
Obtaining SSDI is different for everyone. Your application process or benefits amount may vary depending on your work experience, age, education level, or your mental/physical conditions. In order for you to receive SSDI in the first place, you must meet certain work history prerequisites and be able to prove that your condition inhibits you from maintaining steady employment. If you can, SSDI can be a fantastic resource for you should you not have any other sort of private disability insurances or workers compensation to cover you in your time of need.
Just remember, although SSDI can seem like a lifesaving resource, that doesn’t mean you should ever use dishonesty to obtain benefits. Working any sort of side gig for payment that is not reported to the IRS can make you ineligible to receive assistance through the Social Security Administration as well as lead to all sorts of other trouble. The best thing you can do for yourself to ensure that you’re always protected in the event of an unforeseeable tragedy is to be honest! 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.
