Natural disasters can sometimes cause extreme havoc, displacing many people and even destroying their residences. Almost all SSDI beneficiaries receive payment by electronic deposit. Federal law mandates that all Federal benefit payments, such as SSDI and SSI be made electronically. If someone is receiving benefits via physical means such as mail, it may not always be clear how they can receive benefits after a natural disaster.
SSDI beneficiaries who rely on the post office will continue to receive their benefits during natural disasters by picking up or inquiring about their check from a local Social Security office. There are also other programs, like Medicare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), that are extended to people after a natural disaster.
This article discusses the essential steps for navigating SSDI after a natural disaster.
Do You Qualify for SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a government program aimed at providing financial assistance to disabled individuals, including disabled workers, their spouses or children, disabled widows, and adult children with disabilities who are over the age of 18 and became disabled before turning 22.
The Social Security disability evaluation process is extremely strict. The Social Security law states that, in order to qualify for disability benefits, an individual must not be able to perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable mental or physical condition that has lasted for or is expected to last for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
This program is also a component of the Social Security program, which is responsible for providing retirement payments to the vast majority of senior citizens in the United States.
The benefits are paid directly to the disabled worker and his or her dependent family members, and the benefit amount is determined by the disabled person’s previous earnings. To be eligible for the program, the claimant must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
How to Receive SSDI After a Natural Disaster
Here is how you can continue to receive your SSDI benefits after a natural disaster:
- There will be no changes to your payment method if you have a direct deposit.
- If you are in an area where postal service is interrupted and you get benefits through the mail, you have the option of picking up your benefits check at any of the post offices in that area. Find the one closest to you using the postal locator.
- If you have not received your payment, you should go to any Social Security office that is open and ask for an instant payment. You can also always reach out to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by phone for further assistance.
How to Reach Out to the SSA After a Natural Disaster
In the event that a crisis or emergency forces the closure of SSA offices, individuals in need can continue to access SSA assistance through their online services or by contacting 1-800-772-1213.
The Social Security Administration Hearing Office provides assistance with the following issues:
- Confirmation of the individual’s availability for a telephone hearing or documentation of their request for a postponement if they would prefer to wait until an in-person or video hearing is available.
- Revising records to ensure the Social Security Administration has the correct address and phone number.
- Providing updates on pending hearings.
Can I Receive Both Unemployment Benefits and SSDI?
It is quite rare for someone to obtain both unemployment and Social Security benefits at the same time, but it is possible. Obtaining Social Security benefits may also lower your unemployment benefits.
The majority of aid received as a result of a natural disaster will not be counted as income or resources for the purposes of Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance.
This includes support from the federal government through programs like FEMA, which may include funds to repair or replace a home or other property; assistance from programs operated or funded by the state or local governments; and assistance from a disaster group or charity.
You are required by law to notify the Social Security Administration within ten days of receiving any outside income or resources.
Other Benefits You Can Get
In the event of a catastrophic incident, SSDI benefits alone might not be able to alleviate the financial burden.
Fortunately, recipients can maximize their income by claiming additional benefits. Some benefits that individuals can obtain without putting their SSDI benefits at risk include:
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program intended for people who are blind, disabled, or over the age of 65. It also requires applicants to have low income and assets.
If an individual’s monthly SSDI income is less than $1,913 (or $2,827 for a couple), they may be eligible for and receive both SSDI and SSI payments at the same time. This is referred to as receiving “concurrent benefits.”
You can find further information about these rules and regulations on the SSA’s website. One major benefit of collecting both SSDI and SSI is the expansion of Medicare eligibility for SSDI recipients.
Medicare
The Medicare program is intended for people who are over the age of 65 or disabled. In accordance with the program’s regulations, an individual who has been receiving SSDI benefits for a minimum of two years is eligible for Medicare.
Certain conditions, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease or end-stage kidney disease, can automatically enroll an individual in the Medicare program.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Many low-income families find it difficult to put food on the table, particularly in the aftermath of a natural disaster. People in this situation may be eligible for food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a federal-funded initiative managed by the State Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) agencies.
The goal of the program is to make it easier for low-income families to purchase nutritious food while making ends meet. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allows users to utilize their benefits at grocery stores, convenience stores, co-op food programs, and some farmer’s markets.
Conclusion
The importance of a social safety net becomes more evident in the aftermath of a natural disaster. It is important for SSDI beneficiaries in disaster-hit areas to follow the guidelines above to ensure they do not lose their primary income.
