3 Common Misconceptions About Social Security Disability Benefits

 Posted on March 13, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Social Security disability benefits can be an essential resource for people who cannot fully support themselves due to physical or mental health conditions. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding the process of applying for and receiving these benefits. If you are planning to apply for disability benefits, it is critical to have accurate information in order to make informed decisions about your financial future. Here are some common misconceptions about Social Security disability benefits that you should know about:

Myth #1: Disability Benefits Are Based on Age

It is often thought that a person's ability to qualify for Social Security disability benefits and the amount that they can receive will be based on their age. However, people of any age can qualify for disability benefits, as long as they meet Social Security's definition of disability. To qualify for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a person must have a certain number of work credits that they have earned throughout their career. Most of the time, a person must have been working for at least 10 years, although the required number of work credits may be lower for younger people.

The amount of SSDI benefits a person can receive will be based on the income they had earned before becoming disabled. Those who are not eligible for SSDI may be able to receive disability benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and to qualify for these types of benefits, they must have limited assets and financial resources.

Myth #2: You Cannot Receive Disability Benefits if You Are Currently Working

Since Social Security disability benefits are meant to assist people who have conditions that prevent them from earning enough income to support themselves, people may be under the impression that any type of work will disqualify them from receiving benefits. However, one factor considered when determining whether someone is eligible for disability benefits is whether they are currently earning income that is considered to be substantial gainful activity (SGA). This is an amount that is adjusted each year based on inflation, and those who earn less than this amount may still qualify for disability benefits. Thus, people who are currently working part-time or in low-paying positions may still receive benefits, as long as they can show that they have a disability that prevents them from being able to earn income higher than the SGA amount.

Myth #3: If You Return to Work, You Will Lose Your Disability Benefits

Social Security encourages disability recipients to begin working again once they are able to, and it requires them to receive medical treatment that can help alleviate the effects of their condition. Rather than stopping benefits immediately when a person returns to work, Social Security allows for a nine-month trial work period during which a person will still receive their full SSDI benefits. This can help ensure that a person will be able to fully support themselves once their disability benefits cease.

If a person returns to work and stops receiving benefits, but they once again become unable to work due to their disability, they can apply for expedited reinstatement of disability benefits. This option is available within the first five years after benefits ended, as long as the disability is related to the condition that previously allowed them to qualify for disability benefits.

Contact Our Illinois Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney

Applying for Social Security disability can be a confusing process filled with many unknowns, and this may lead some people to believe false information about the issues that affect disability benefits. It is important to remember that everyone's situation is unique and requires careful consideration. At Pearson Disability Law, LLC, we can provide legal representation when applying for disability benefits, and we can help address issues related to eligibility, work credits, returning to work, or reapplying for benefits. To learn more about how we can assist with these matters, contact our Chicago Social Security disability lawyer at 312-999-0999 and set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://choosework.ssa.gov/library/debunking-the-three-biggest-myths-about-disability-benefits-and-work

https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2018-02-28-myth-busted-trial-work-period

https://ca.db101.org/ca/situations/workandbenefits/myths/article.htm