Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits provide help to people living with disabilities that impact their ability to work. The SSDI program can come with potential problems, but there are some benefits as well. You might be curious about the various aspects of SSDI and are perhaps wondering, “What are the disadvantages of Social Security Disability?”
Are SSI and SSDI the Same?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are different, but they are both overseen by the Social Security Administration.
For SSI, eligibility is based on having limited resources and income. The program provides housing, food, and clothing to people 65 years or older and those who have a disability. It’s need-based and not work-based.
For SSDI, someone is eligible based on their specific work history and the Social Security taxes they’ve historically paid. This program pays benefits to people with a disability if they have worked sufficiently long and recently enough to have built a history of paying Social Security taxes.
Both programs require you to establish a physical or mental condition that impacts your ability to work, specifically one that is expected to last at least a year or result in death.
What Are the Disadvantages of Seeking Social Security Disability Benefits?
It’s vital to at least consider the many cons of seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits before proceeding. Some disadvantages include:
- Proving your disability can be extremely challenging. There are strict medical criteria for applicants to meet. The SSA sometimes requires extensive medical documentation to prove your qualification for benefits. You could face problems in qualifying, even if your disability certainly and demonstrably impacts your daily life.You may need to gather extensive medical records and consult an expert, which can be difficult if you don’t have a clear diagnosis or your disabilities sometimes wane in severity.
- The application process for benefits is challenging. This can lead to delays and substantial waiting periods to see if the benefits are approved. This can lead to financial strain for someone who already needs income. If you cannot work and support yourself, timely approval of benefits becomes imperative.
- Unfortunately, there is a prevalence of the SSA denying first-time SSDI claims. When applicants authentically need financial support, it’s disheartening to hear how many applications aren’t approved. When applications are denied, many people who deserve benefits are forced to appeal their denial, which is yet another complicated process. An attorney can be helpful, as they can address the complexity of this process.
- Your past earnings usually influence the amount you’ll receive in benefits. The SSA uses a formula to calculate the monthly amount of benefits. The amount of SSDI benefits could be lower than you made during your time working.
- You will likely face ongoing evaluations to substantiate an ongoing disability status. This can be bothersome, and, if there is a positive change (such as being able to return to work), it may be grounds for reducing or discontinuing any benefits you currently receive.
- You are likely unable to continue working, even part-time. This means you’ll need to consider your options for work to avoid jeopardizing your eligibility for benefits.
- You may want to consider the impact on your future employment opportunities and future careers. Employers are sometimes hesitant to hire anyone with a prolonged gap in their employment history
What Are Some Advantages of Applying for SSDI Benefits?
SSDI can provide a helpful financial boon for people unable to earn an income due to their disabilities. Some reasons it’s helpful include:
- It provides for some basic living expenses, like food, housing, and necessary medical costs.
- Recipients potentially become eligible for Medicare, which assists with affordable healthcare services.
- It can establish financial security.
Also, SSDI benefits won’t impact someone’s ability to collect Social Security retirement benefits, and it can preserve your private disability insurance.
An attorney can fully evaluate all your available benefit options and discuss your reasons for seeking disability benefits.
FAQs
Q: If I Have SSDI Benefits, Are There Some Things I Can’t Do?
A: If you have SSD disability benefits, you generally cannot engage in activities that qualify as “substantial gainful activity.” This means you can’t work to earn above a certain income amount since you could lose your benefits.
You also cannot purposefully misrepresent your disabling medical condition to the SSA, fail to inform the SSA that you started work or report your status to the SSA if your health improves significantly. You can’t undertake illegal activities or ignore medical treatment.
Q: When Does My Social Security Disability Turn Into Regular Social Security?
A: Your benefits change into Social Security retirement benefits (or regular Social Security) once you reach full retirement age. For most people, that is between the ages of 66 and 67 years old, but it’s not an automatic process. Of note, the monthly payment total remains the same when you begin to receive regular Social Security unless you engage in otherwise prohibited activities.
Q: What’s the Average Amount Someone Gets From Social Security Disability?
A: The average monthly SSDI benefits payment is $1,537.13. Most people receiving SSDI benefits get less than $2,000 monthly. To qualify for SSD benefits, you must:
- Qualify under the SSA definition of disability.
- Have worked long enough and recently enough under the Social Security guidelines.
- Have earned sufficient work credits through Social Security.
A knowledgeable attorney can estimate your possible SSDI benefits and answer any payment questions you might have.
Q: Could Someone Lose Their SSDI Benefits?
A: Yes, someone could lose SSDI benefits after they qualify. SSDI benefits could be impacted if they:
- Have a medical recovery.
- Return to work.
- Reach retirement age.
- Violate a parole condition or probation rule.
- Get married.
Also, the death of the person qualifying for benefits could impact any beneficiaries receiving benefits. You can learn more about the circumstances potentially impacting benefits by consulting an attorney.
Contact Lawyers Who Understand the Potential Disadvantages of SSDI Claims
The disability attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP, can discuss every disadvantage of pursuing SSDI benefits. Please contact our team for an initial consultation for your specific Social Security benefits case, and let a lawyer at our firm discuss some helpful next steps.
