7 SSDI Myths to Toss Out for 2019
We know Social Security can sometimes be a pain to deal with. But what’s even worse is misinformation about Social Security. You want the facts, not the rumors, so let us from Social Security Disability Advocates USA dispel some common myths about SSDI.
1. You Will Always Be Denied on Your First Application
While the statistics show that only about 30% of first-time applicants receive Social Security Disability benefits, this is not because the Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to deny you, necessarily.
Most people are simply unfamiliar with the process of filing for Social Security Disability. It takes a lot of time, paperwork, and careful planning before even submitting an application. Even a single error can cause the rejection of your application. When applying for Social Security disability benefits, you should make sure you do it right the first time. Hiring a Social Security lawyer from SSDA USA can assist you in the process and increase your chances of being accepted the first time.
2. SSDI Totally Replaces your Income
This is another myth that many people, unfortunately, believe. While SSDI is meant to be a long-term program (since your disability is expected to last a while), SSDI is not meant to replace 100% of your income. It is meant as a safety net, an aid to you while you try to improve your condition and get back to work. People who are out of work may also qualify for SSI, which is another Social Security program designed for low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled.
3. Doctors Saying You Are Disabled Makes It So
Just because your doctor says you are disabled doesn’t mean you will qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The definition of disabled, according to the SSA, is that you must 1) have a condition that prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and 2) that condition is expected to result in death, or 3) has lasted or is expected to last no less than one year.
Partial or minor disabilities, even if diagnosed by a doctor, do not qualify you for disability benefits, under the SSA definition.
While a well written letter by a medical professional can work in your favor, you should know that it is not a guarantee you will receive SSDI.
4. Once on SSDI, You Have It Forever
People think their SSDI will last forever, and then one day, poof! Their benefits stop. SSDI, while a long-term program, is subject to certain regulations. If certain changes occur, you may see a reduction or cancellation of your benefits. For example, if your condition gains a medical improvement that allows you to potentially go back to work, your benefits will stop. In addition, earning SGA will also stop your benefits.
5. People Who Drink or Use Drugs are Disqualified
You don’t have to necessarily worry about drug or alcohol use when applying for disability benefits. If your disability is unrelated to your use of drugs or alcohol, your SSDI will likely stay in effect. In other words, the SSA worries that your use of drugs or alcohol contributes to your condition. If you can prove that your condition would not improve if you were to stop taking drugs and alcohol, you still qualify for SSDI.
6. SSDI Kicks in Immediately
This is one thing that makes people quite upset. You should not expect your SSDI benefits to kick in as soon as you become eligible. Even if you are in fact eligible for SSDI, the application alone can take 3 – 5 months to process. After your application approval, you will receive a letter with an effective date. That is the date you became eligible for disability. However, your first SSDI payment covers you beginning six months after you became eligible. Although, you will receive that payment a month later, (for a total of 7 months after you became eligible) since disability payments are made the month after the month they cover.
7. You Cannot Work while Receiving Benefits
This is one of the most popular SSDI myths. Though, a myth it is. The Social Security Administration encourages people to try to find work, all while receiving benefits. If you want to try to work again, the SSA will grant you a nine-month trial work period in which you can work and engage in SGA while receiving your SSDI benefits. This is to ease you back into the work-force.
If you are still working and earning SGA after the trial work period, the SSA will no longer consider you disabled, and your SSDI benefits will stop. Keep this in mind!
If your benefits stopped after your trial work period because of work, but you stopped working soon after, you don’t have to fill out a whole other application for SSDI. Just fill out an Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) form to speed up the process of resuming your benefits.
If you are working but not earning SGA, keep in mind that the SSA may still reduce or even cancel your benefits.
Have Questions About More SSDI Myths?
Contact Social Security Disability Advocates USA today! Our experienced professionals will work tirelessly to address any concerns you may have. Call us 24/7 at 602-952-3200. Alternatively, you can contact us online and check out our LiveChat feature. Leave your questions to the professionals. Call SSDA USA today!
This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.
