What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security disability benefits are a type of benefit that many people qualify for through the United States federal government. The Social Security Administration is an organization that collects funds from a person’s paycheck each payment. The funds are added to the system with the goal of providing you with financial support at some time in the future if you become disabled or you retire. However, it is important to note that there are some very specific limitations and restrictions on the use of these funds for your needs.

There are a few things you should know about this program before you apply for benefits under it. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are one of the biggest of all federal programs designed to provide assistance to those who need it, specifically to those who have become disabled. These programs are different, though. You need to know about them and what your options are before you consider applying for this type of benefit. Further, it is always a good idea to hire a professional to help you with this particular type of disability insurance.

You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. This particular program is designed to provide people with financial support because they have paid into the program. Most people pay into Social Security through the payment of their income taxes, usually as part of a withdrawal from their paycheck. If you have done so, then you become injured, or your family member becomes injured, you may qualify to receive payments from this program to supplement your income. You do have to pay in enough in Social Security taxes to qualify for this payment, and that often means that you need to have worked enough, under the Social Security guidelines, to qualify.

There is another program that you may qualify for as well. This program is called the Supplement Security Income. This product does not provide based on how much you have paid in, but it pays out based on your financial need. Those who have a financial need will more than likely qualify for this type of program. However, it is important to note that you still must meet some basic requirements before you can obtain this income.

Speaking of the type of earnings you need to have, one of the biggest is qualifying as disabled. It is not enough for your doctor to say that you are disabled in order to get these benefits. In fact, it is quite common for people to be denied access to these benefits initially. Social Security disability benefits are only available to those who have applied for the benefits and meet the qualifications. Those qualifications including well documented injury or illness that leaves the person unable to work. The person must be unable to work even if their employer takes steps to minimize the physical demands of the job.

In order to know if you are qualified to receive disability benefits, individuals must work through the application process. In addition to this, you must have specific qualifications as defined under the Listing of Impairments section of the Social Security code. This is a listing of the qualifications based on the type of injury or disability you have.

As you take these things into consideration, remember that qualifying for these benefits is often very difficult. If you find it difficult to do, or you have been denied benefits, contact an attorney to work on your behalf when filing these claims. Social Security disability benefits can provide you with the type of protection and financial stability you need, if you qualify for them under the law.