Articles

SSDI benefits convert to retirement benefits after retirement. The benefit amount is usually the same but may decrease if you get a pension from a job where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes or if you receive workers’ compensation. You can’t collect both benefits simultaneously.

Yes, blind individuals are a particular focus of the SSDI program, with their own increased Substantial Gainful Activity limits as well. Blind people can automatically qualify for disability as long as they meet certain conditions, such as qualifying for legal blindness. 

Homeless people can apply for SSI electronically through the use of a public computer. They can also have someone else apply for them. In addition, homeless people do not require a mailing address to receive SSI benefits; they can simply receive these benefits electronically via a bank account or Direct Express program (The Direct Express® card is a debit card you can use to access your benefits and you don’t need a bank account.)

In general, the Social Security Administration requires that you submit new evidence with your appeals application. In fact, if the paperwork in your appeals application is the same as the one included in your initial claim, then your application will likely be rejected.

The 3.2% 2024 COLA will begin with benefits payable to more than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2024. Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 29, 2023. In 2023, the COLA was 5.9%, the largest increase in 40 years. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will increase by 3.2 percent in 2024. 

If autism prevents an individual from maintaining employment, they may be eligible for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes autism as a mental disability, and it can be a qualifying condition for disability benefits, provided it meets certain criteria.

Substantial gainful activity is important when applying for SSDI benefits because it is a key factor in Social Security disability determinations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses SGA as a threshold to evaluate whether or not an individual is eligible for disability benefits. 

Medicare coverage becomes available to recipients of SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. When they become eligible, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is immediately offered to them, assuring access to critical medical services. Medicare coverage is maintained if the person continues to be qualified to receive SSDI benefits.

Yes, you can qualify and receive both SSI and SSDI benefits at the same time, and it is called concurrent benefits. However, those who qualify for both benefits may be more likely to get a smaller amount in SSDI benefits.

In SSDI claims, medical evidence typically holds the highest priority. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does assess other factors, a significant number of applications are rejected due to insufficient medical evidence, underscoring its importance.

Surprisingly, the Social Security Administration can surveil participants through either direct observation, social media, or videotaping the applicants. It is also entirely legal for them to do so.

Personal injury settlements usually have no bearing on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits; however, they can significantly affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by either reducing or terminating them.

SSDI beneficiaries might need to file taxes, depending on their income and filing status. They must submit a tax return if their earnings surpass the IRS filing criteria. SSDI recipients should speak with a tax expert or study the IRS regulations for detailed information about their tax responsibilities.

There are many signs that can hint towards approval for SSDI benefits, such as being unable to work, meeting the work credit requirement, being unable to perform past work, having extensive medical documentation of your disability as evidence, and much more.

SSDI benefits depend on work credit requirements. On the other hand, SSI is available to individuals with limited financial means, not taking into account work histories. If you haven’t worked and paid taxes for at least five of the past 10 years, it could be hard to qualify for SSDI, and an option would be to appeal. 

The SSDI Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2023 was 8.7%, which has been the biggest increase in four decades. Furthermore, SSDI beneficiaries are also expected to receive a higher average benefits payout in 2023. 

You can claim disability while waiting for an organ transplant. All you need to do is provide the Social Security Administration with proof that you’re on the organ transplant waitlist. You may also qualify due to the underlying condition for which you need the transplant (kidney disease, liver failure, etc.).

Consult with a professional, ensure you’re mentally and physically prepared to return to work, make use of accommodations, review your company’s disability policy, seek assistance from HR, and update your resume to reflect new skills acquired during your leave, emphasizing abilities that align with your current capacities.

Thankfully, the process is pretty easy and starts with submitting an appeals application to the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. The appeals process comprises four stages: request for reconsideration, an Administrative Law Judge hearing, an appeals council review, and a federal court review. 

If you’ve been enrolled in Medicare as an SSDI beneficiary, you will be required to pay for the premiums that come with the Medicare plan. This includes Part A and Part D premiums. Rejecting Medicare Part A may also result in the termination of your SSDI benefits.