Q: Who qualifies for social security benefits through the disability insurance program?
A: You are eligible to apply for social security benefits, if your injury will not allow you to work for 12 months or more. Both physical and mental impairments qualify. For your application for social security benefits to be approved, you cannot earn more than the limit set for such benefits. That limit right now is anything below $940 monthly pre tax. In addition, you must show that it is not possible for you to perform other types of work. To determine “other work” eligibility, Social Security considers your education, age and the type of employment you had prior to your injury.
Q: How long can you collect social security benefits through the disability program?
A: Your social security benefits will continue until one of the following events occurs. Your social security benefits will be suspended, if your injury resolves completely or enough for you to become a part of the workforce again. Some people decide they would rather not depend on social security benefits and take on regular employment in a different type of work. Benefits would no longer continue in that case. The last scenario in which social security benefits would no longer continue would be if you reach retirement age. You would receive retirement payments, in lieu of disability payments. Your file will be reevaluated from time to time. It is expected that you inform your case manager, should your injury improve or if you return to work.
Q: What is the average time it takes to review a claim for social security benefits?
A: The average time it takes for an initial social security benefits claim to be reviewed is a little over 3 months. That being said, it is very difficult to predict how long your particular case will take. A decision on an application for social security benefits can be made in 30 days. Other cases can take up to two years. To improve the chances that your application for social security benefits will not be delayed, make sure you have provided all the required information and filled out paperwork correctly. The main reason most claims are delayed during the initial review process, is due to lack of or incomplete medical records. A lawyer who specializes in social security benefits can be invaluable, if you have any concerns about the length of time your claim is taking.