Frequently Asked Questions

About Social Security Disability

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Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to an individual who is unable to work due to a disabling condition.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance there are two main qualifying factors:

  • You must have enough working credits with Social Security, meaning Social Security taxes were taken out of your paycheck for at least 5 out of the last 10 years.
  • You must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Social Security defines disability as the inability to work due to a medical impairment (physical or mental impairment) that lasts or is expected to last at least 12 months.

Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are both programs through Social Security that pay monthly benefits to disabled individuals. The difference between the two is that Supplemental Security Income is for lower income individuals who have not worked, or do not have enough working credits with Social Security (taxes taken out of your paycheck.)

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance you must have enough working credits with Social Security, meaning Social Security taxes were taken out of your paycheck for at least 5 out of the last 10 years.

There are three main levels to Social Security Disability Insurance:

  • Initial Level: The Initial Level for SSDI takes 6-8 months to receive a decision. Once the application is filed with SSA it will go under medical review with a Disability Examiner at SSA. Our team of advocates will assist you with filing the application and continue to monitor any further requests SSA may have. Unfortunately the Initial Level has a high denial rate, 70% of all claims filed are denied at the Initial Level, many claimants have to go through the appeals process.
  • Reconsideration Level: If your claim is denied at the Initial Level you have 60 days to appeal. The Reconsideration Level also takes 6-8 months to receive a decision at.
  • Hearing Level: The Hearing Level has the highest rate of approval. At this level you and one of our attorneys will attend a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. This process takes 12-18 months nationwide to get a hearing date.

Yes, family members can be eligible for dependent benefits as well! Social Security considers the following to be dependents:

  • Children 18 years of age and younger.
  • Spouse 62 years of age or older, and not working. 

Yes, once approved you will be eligible for Medicare. We have a dedicated team here at Disability Approval Now that can assist you with finding the best coverage for you!

Social Security Disability Insurance will be issued until you reach full retirement age. There is no partial Social Security Disability Insurance. However you can still be eligible for disability benefits if you are earning less than Substantial Gainful Activity – $1,550 per month in 2024.

We can still help! There are many levels to applying for Social Security Disability Insurance and we are here to help you through each one. Contact us and we can assist you with the appeals process.

Do I qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

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