Which Social Security Benefits Are You Eligible For?
Do you qualify for social security benefits? Picking through the convoluted regulations can be deeply frustrating, and when you are done, you may have no better idea than before whether you qualify for benefits. These frequently asked questions will clarify which disability benefits you are eligible for, and how far your benefits will stretch.
Can I get partial disability through SSA?
No, people with partial or short term disabilities are not eligible for disability benefits through Social Security. You are eligible for social security benefits only if you are deemed completely disabled and your disability is likely to last a year or more. (Note that you may continue working while collecting disability benefits if your highest possible income is beneath a certain level.)
I am able to work, but not at the level I used to, nor can I earn the same money I used to. Am I still eligible for social security benefits?
Yes, you can file for disability benefits if you are making less than a certain amount per month, averaged over a full year. Social Security changes the maximum income level yearly. You can find the current limit in the official SSA web site or in official SSA booklets.
However, your current income is not the only number the state agency will consider when evaluating your case. If you are capable of earning a higher income by changing to another job, you will not be approved for disability benefits. The state agency will take into account your medical condition, education, skills, work experience, and age when determining whether you could move to another job, so you will not be required to do work that you are not well enough to do or that you have not been trained to do.
My doctors say there is no treatment that can help me, so why do I have to keep going to doctors?
In the beginning, the state agency that handles your social security benefits will request that you go to doctors several times in order to get a complete evaluation of your medical condition. Your regular doctors may not be able to perform necessary tests or have equipment that is necessary to evaluate you, so you may need to visit another doctor to complete the evaluation. In that case, the state agency may arrange for you to be examined by another doctor.
Once you are determined to be disabled, you will need regular examinations to determine the progress of your medical condition. Because not all disabling medical conditions are permanent, your health may improve enough for you to work even without active medical care.
This was a great post. I’ll be back for sure.
The amount you receive in social security benefits, however, will remain the same. Your benefits will automatically convert.
Q: Are you in jeopardy of losing your social security benefits, if a review of your case is currently being done?
A: Social Security regularly reviews all disability cases that receive benefits. The reviews are conducted every several years. Since there can be a backlog of cases, the reviews may not happen for a year or two after they are supposed to.