Articles

Disability Advice from an attorney with decades of experience with disability benefits.

SSDI Work Credits Normally Expire After Five Years

Do Work Credits Expire For SSDI?

The Social Security Administration has a five-year rule which states that your work credits will expire five years after you stop working. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you file for your SSDI benefits as soon as possible.

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What Disabilities Are The Hardest to Prove?

Among those medical conditions that are hardest to prove are back and spine injuries since they may be deemed temporary or mild; chronic migraines since they are not recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA); and mental conditions that may include depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

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Why Would I Get SSI Instead of SSDI?

Why Would I Get SSI Instead of SSDI?

Although it’s true that the benefits paid by SSDI are greater than those paid by SSI, there are still advantages to applying for SSI. People who do not have a work history can still receive benefits through SSI. The SSI program also provides beneficiaries with instant Medicaid benefits. Lastly, beneficiaries of SSDI can maximize their benefits by receiving both SSDI and SSI benefits.

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Does SSDI Look at Your Bank Account?

Does SSDI Look at Your Bank Account?

Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does review your bank account. This is done to track your finances and make sure you are eligible for the program. Even though SSDI does not have any financial requirements, it does have a specific income limit.

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Can I Be Denied SSI But Approved For SSDI?

Can I Be Denied SSI But Approved For SSDI?

It is possible to be granted SSDI but denied SSI. These two programs have different qualifying requirements. SSDI is based on a person’s employment history and the number of social security credits they have incurred, whereas SSI is a need-based program.

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What Happens To SSDI When You Are Incarcerated?

What Happens To SSDI When You Are Incarcerated?

If you are sentenced to jail or prison for more than 30 days after being found guilty of a crime while receiving SSDI, your benefits will be suspended. However, suppose your spouse or children are also receiving SSDI due to your disability. In that case, they will continue to receive their payments even if you are behind bars. You can request to have your benefits resumed as soon as you are released from prison. 

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Is Reconsideration Good for Disability?

Is Reconsideration Good for Disability?

Yes, it is. Generally, a request for reconsideration is recommended once you receive a denial on your initial application for disability benefits. Reconsideration allows you to retain the benefits of back payments while the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes your claim.

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Can You Invest While on SSDI?

Can You Invest While on SSDI?

Yes, you absolutely can. SSDI gives its beneficiaries the option to invest in various ways, through stocks, rental properties, and more. The income from this is generally considered passive income and does not affect your SSDI benefits.

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5 Downsides to Applying for SSDI

5 Downsides to Applying for SSDI

Some of the downsides of being approved for SSDI are that, if approved for SSDI, there is a possibility that you may lose your Medicaid benefits. The second downside is that SSDI may not be enough to survive. SSDI has very stringent criteria regarding who is eligible for the benefits, and it takes a long time to receive a decision. And finally, SSDI benefits may be taxable.

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Should You Include SSDI On Your FAFSA?

Should You Include SSDI On Your FAFSA?

SSDI benefits should not be reported under the FAFSA. It is because these benefits are typically not taxable and, hence, it is not essential to disclose them on the FAFSA. Therefore, only taxable income, such as an individual’s wages or salaries, should be declared on the FAFSA. However, there are several other factors to consider.

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