104 thoughts on “Myths and Facts About Social Security’s Disability Program”
aren’t you people ashamed for just giving us a paltry 3 dollars COLA this year??? Real life says that Insurance (both home and auto), clothing, shoes, Rent Phone, Cable, Medicare Part D, Auto License and Registration fees, Water and Sewer, Power and Home Heating,……….all go up….not just Gasoline and Food as you base the COLA on. The current Administration has lost a huge volume of Votes for their party because of this. Including mine!!!
I think they are being prudent in an election cycle that could bring focus on the program crashing down. I wish for more, but I think there is an election outcome that could change our lives 100x worse than not getting a truly proportionate COLA increase. I hope people are voting to support those who have been aiding the disabled, responsibly.
The COLA is based on a formula related to the CPI and enacted by Congress many years ago. It’s not political. It’s not a choice Social Security Administration makes. Only Congress can enact a supplemental emergency increase if they think it’s needed, or change the formula.
Congress hasn’t addressed SS in a very long time. Why should they. They have the best health care in the world, the best retirement plan in the world, that we pay for. It may take a while to weed out these deadbeats that claim they’re for the little guy, but are only there, for themselves. Maybe then, they can concentrate on what’s important FOR THE PEOPLE, with SS, being at the top of the list.
I wish people would stop saying that people who are Disabled have it easy, they are “Living off the money paid in from THEIR paychecks!”
Um, don’t you nitwits realize that Disabled people have also paid into SS? When they were able to work BEFORE whatever TRAGEDY has left them having to apply for SSD, YES, they WORKED AND PAID INTO IT JUST LIKE YOU! I can only hope n pray nothing happens to YOU leaving you with no other option than to apply!
true. IF they do not have a Track Work Record? It goes by the next of kin (parent or parents). So it is never based off other peoples taxes. Nor is it a Govt Fund, Entitlement Program, or any kind of Govt Assistance Program paid for by Govt Taxes.
some do that is true, but If you and your growing family who are disabled and never will work or pay a nickle into the system are receiving payments starting with the first day of your life, that is not a good thing and a very serious problem for the RETIREMENT fund and a major reason the account is going broke,and fast.I myself know many people you are collecting dis.payments and every single one of them can and do work off the books.
its time for social security to do something more for all the recipients 0f social security. I cannot make ends meet and have to go without food every month and cannot pay my car or cable bill. what am it suppose to do as I am on permanent disability?
Helen is csorrect. Am on SS full benefits–SSA, SSI, Food Stamps, and Medicare-Medicaid. However, I lost my SSI, Food Stamps, and Medicare-Medicaid health insurance when I went abroad to retire because I was afraid of winter.
Since I left, I have been on a very tight budget so that most of the time forgo my medicines and going hunger, and cut my utilities. I have to beg to survive. The law on benefits must be amended soonest by the incoming Administration.
It is so unfair for Senior U.S. Citizen who opted to live abroad to avoid unbearable winter conditions.
What was your source of income while living overseas?
Downsize your car and cable bill. SSDI is not luxury insurance! I made $125K the last year before I became disabled with brain surgery. I had to learn to live on less than 20% of that amount. With discipline and constant attention on expenses, I have extra money each month.
If you are going without food then these are absolute no-no’s.
Cigarettes, Sodas, Lottery, Premium gas, recreational drugs, newly acquired monthly drafts, etc.
I can’t understand people buying lottery tickets or junk on SSDI, it seems wrong. I don’t even own a car, I could never afford it. I am only able to rent a room and it takes half of everything.
Thank you for your comment Dennis. The Social Security Act provides for an automatic increase in Social Security and SSI benefits only if there is an increase in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For additional information, please go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
The COLA formula is set by law.
The administration does not set the COLA rate.
Elect a Congress that cares about older and disabled people and they can pass a law that changes the formula
You’re right John, for some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase (COLA) may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
Social Security disability is widely recognized by experts across the political spectrum as having a fraud rate well above any national norm. From the West Virginia judge who approved almost 100% of any claims for years, to the fact the total program has quadrupled over the past decade, following the 2008 economic meltdown. Progressives have increasingly used it to overturn Bill Clinton’s welfare reforms. This blog comes much closer to pure propaganda than any factual statements of truth.
The one instance you cite is an aberration based on vocational limitations of that geographic population as much as anything else. Your understanding is based on fear mongering by conservative politicians who should be more concerned about corporate fraud including but not limited to Wells Fargo and the actions that led to the total collapse of our economy in 2008.
Really, where do you get your information from? I’m curious, since the banks were at near collapse and housing foreclosures were at an extreme high, unemployment was at almost a near high by the end of Presidents Bush. All due respect to President Bush, I’m sure he wanted to do what was best for the country, but it wasn’t working out that way.
The only “liberal policies” leading to the 2008 crash were those of the financial sector. No, it wasn’t poor homeowners either, which is an absurdity – especially for the greatest world economy. The main problem was due to flagrantly bundle debt into “derivatives,” which made sure that the rich executives got their money. So instead of denying them, they crashed the economy, worldwide.
It fell to the Bush jr. economic policies, especially. Job creation was virtually nil. By the time of the end of his term, the economy was bleeding jobs from every corner.
Hmm. Then again the ALJ who oversaw my hearing, on average, approves just 17% of his cases. (national average is 43% at the hearing phase.)
That judge ignored the SSA examiner’s report which was in my favor, and cherry picked my three doctor’s reports (also all in my favor) for a few periods of wellness, and he ignored the rest. I took the case to Fed. Ct, was granted a remand since the ALJ had “ignored evidence in the file,” and “formed his own medical opinion.” I had another hearing before the same ALJ three years after the first, and was awarded benefits by this hanging judge.
Of course, the whole process ONLY took 5.5 years, and I was 60 by then. I had also lost my house and got to file my first bankruptcy 6 months before the final judgment. Held out as long as I could.
What a piece of cake, huh??? No stress at all! I still have rich fantasies about the death of that ALJ and I still wish him harm, though I would never do anything myself. You bet I’m bitter about it.
THESE CASES SHOULD NOT BE DECIDED BY PULLING STRAWS!
I clearly pulled the shortest one.
I am so happy you’ve done this. As a lawyer with 30 years of practice in SSD work I am consistently explaining these things to people who call my office and to the public when speaking at seminars. I wish the American public knew how difficult it is to obtain these benefits and how reluctant the average worker is to apply. Thank you again.
Fact: Under this Administration getting on disability is far easier than it was before. Witness the expansion in the disability roles. And the average worker who is without a job is more than eager to apply. Stick to your legal profession and leave the explanation of getting benefits to the career politicians who try to expand programs as a bribe to get people to vote them into power.
I became disabled in 1973. I applied in 2010. I worked at whatever jobs I could find as long as I could possibly find work. I am proud of the fact that I was able to work as long as I did. I was denied when I applied. I appealed and was granted disability by a judge. It is not easy to get on disability. Maybe we have more applicants now because baby boomers are getting older and have more disabilities?
Nobody wants to be disabled.
I was going to say the same thing about baby boomers. I became disabled in 1979 and have been on SSDI since 1980. I have worked part time work for most of these years, but I had to stop working altogether, 8 years ago. I was paying back into the system as I was working. I also volunteered with AmeriCorps VISTA for 2 years and created programs for youth in my community. I was working my way off of disability when I ended up having new medical issues and more major surgeries. It isn’t easy living with disabilities.
It took me 2-3 years to get on SSDI. My attorney explicitly told me not to look for work. Follow the rules and then I was accepted into the program. It took me twice to get in. Its not a piece of cake anymore. Now you have to take an IQ test when you apply and have review! I had to move in with family and that is not fun. I live day-by-day trying to survive.
I am not surprised that you are having problems with your doc. They think that they are above us mere mortals and that we should not ask them for anything other than what they grcisoualy bestow upon us.
Here’s a myth for you – the ALJs are all not fair. Again, I suggest you take a good, hard look at Judge in the Chattanooga office. He is a legend in his own mind!!!
This is great information to know. I work in a correctional facility in the State of Kansas as a Discharge Planner and file primarily SSI. We have a MOU with Social Security in Wichita KS I know that it a person becomes incarcerated we have to re-file after 12 months. Could there be a myths and facts email about incarceration and SSI? There are many questions about this in the correctional arena. .
Thank you for contacting us Dave. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments generally aren’t payable for months that individuals are confined to a jail, prison, or certain other public institutions for committing a crime. However the prerelease procedure allows individuals –potentially eligible- to apply for SSI before their anticipated release from an institution so that benefits can begin after their release. For additional information via our pamphlets, please see the links below:
• Entering The Community After Incarceration—How We Can Help
• What Prisoners Need To Know
My wife was disabled at age 35 in 1980 by a brain aneurysm and stroke. When we applied for disability Social Security they concluded that she lacked one quarter (3 months) of having paid in enough to qualify for disability. My wife bore this in anguish for years as she wanted to feel that she was contributing in some way to our well-being as she was unable to contribute in any other way. Our congress person’s advice was for me to go to Washington and make a personal plea before congress so they might slip it in to another bill that might pass. Needless to say, I was unable to do that. In retrospect, had we known, we would have paid in that 3 months to SS, even though she wasn’t working.
To clarify. You cannot get more credits by voluntarily contributing money to Social Security. You can earn credits only by working in a job or your own business that is covered under Social Security.
To clarify. You cannot get more credits by voluntarily contributing money to Social Security. You can earn credits only by working in a job or your own business that is covered under Social Security.
People who are on ss disability still continue to work but, get paid under the table. I would like to report the ones I know but, there are people who receive food stamps that shouldn’t so where do you stop all the fraud. Its all around us, America has gone so far down the tube in the past 8 years it may never recover. I would like to retire but I still HAVE to work to support myself at 72 years old and I hate that my hard earned dollars are going to all these illegals and lazy free loaders. maybe I can retire before I’m 80! Sick and tired!
Supporting a candidate who does not support minimum wage is hardly the way to ensure your retirement. And you SHOULD report fraud because the system fails when you don’t. And by the way, undocumented workers cannot receive either SSI or SSD.
As a business owner the Govt. should not be telling me what I can or can not afford to pay someone to work for me period….also one myth that I see everyday is that people who are on disability are not able to do anything. They mow their yards, they shovel snow, they deer hunt, the work on cars, they haul bales of hay, now tell me they could not work in Walmart if they can do all of that? Fraud is rampant every where. I know of a person that is on SSDI because she says she can not be around a lot of people, yet she goes to crowded auctions and does just fine there. It is bull that that many people that are on the roles are actually unable to do something to maintain their sense of well being and pride…
C. Wilson you do know that some illnesses are invisible right? Or are you one of those people who play doctor from home? You do realize that we have to jump through hurdles and be re evaluated every so many years correct? Oh I am going to assume you know nothing of the above.
Yes they can collect and they do. Our government ships them in and supplies them with Food Stamps, Medicaid, disability. I live in Fla and see it with the Haitians, Muslims, Mexicans all of which are not citizens but illegals and “refugees”. Do not for a second think only “legal” can and do get because where there is a way they will get it!
they can’t get SSDI unless they are legal, have worked, and have paid into the system for the numbers of quarters and years that are required for SSDI. DI stands for disability Insurance. SSI is Supplemental Security Income for those who don’t qualify for SSDI.
Really, where do you get your information from? I’m curious, since the banks were at near collapse and housing foreclosures were at an extreme high, unemployment was at almost a near high by the end of Presidents Bush. All due respect to President Bush, I’m sure he wanted to do what was best for the country, but it wasn’t working out that way.
The majority of Refugees are bought to this Country by Churches. If you want to complain about how many refugees they bring in or who, contact the various religious organizations that are supported by Church donations. These are under missions and missionary work dollars.
If you see someone who you feel is truly committing fraud ( remember not all disabilities are visible to the eye though) then report it. The program doesn’t have the resources to follow around each person receiving benefits and therefore rely on fellow citizens to provide them the information they need to launch an investigation. The system works best when we all do our part to be their eyes and ears.
Thank you for your comment Suzy. We take allegations of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it.
The Social Security Administration loans out
all this money to lawyers
and takes it away from
those that earned. Then
they let unlicensed people
into the court systems.
Judges are supposed to be attoprneis or those with family members that are attornies like Caroline-
she gave up and left the
country. No lawyers will
be around as they are throwing the lawyers that ran the law schools
without federal money into the gutter. go to the law school that teaches
you Rob Peter to pay Paul.
I have witnessed and can concurr with what you 100% as I see the same thing going on around my area all the time but do not turn these people in either. There is more fraud in the system than they are willing to admit. What really bothers me is I worked hard and paid into the system for 45 years, served in military for six years and the Vietnam war. I fell off a roof onto concrete and shatterd both my ankles with metal in both legs and ankles, several surgeries, arthritus and limited mobility. I applied for disability when I was still in a wheel chair and could not walk with lots of pain and was also denied. I would have received a little more than my retirement but would also have to pursue it in court. I did not because of cost verses the extra amount. Four years later still suffering and still require more surgery over the three that I have been through. I was under for ten hours on one of them. I wish you well.
The fraud is not generally perpetrated by the applicants, but by the system that takes years to approve a disabled person. Why does the system do this? So that the lawyers and court-appointed (usually psych) experts can get paid. If the system were legit, there would be a list of disabilities, and the applicant would be approved from that list in 30 days. Lawyers/advocates or any other leech would be forbidden to take a red cent from the disabled person’s award.
just so you know there is a list. and it’s very comprehensive. you show just how much you don’t know. the list is what is used. you need to have a lot of tests to show you qualify. but if you are really sick you are approved very quick. the 2 years part is because these people are on the bubble.
The list is there and is used. They also use the department of Education and someone else I forgot to determine of someone can do another job if deemed not able to do their chosen job. They look at all angles which is why it takes so long. I agree the lawyers muck up the system as much as the workers processing the claims but when its time to see the “judge” all is said and done and you sit there while the judge consults with the person who is looking up possible jobs the disabled can do or can’t do then the decision is made based on the list/education/retraining if possible
We use the Social Security taxes you and other workers pay into the system to pay Social Security benefits. Credits are the “building blocks” we use to find out whether you have the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefits. When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI), you must be “currently insured” or have worked long enough–and recently enough—under Social Security. See Insured Status Requirements for more information.
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Speaking as someone who lived a fullfilled live with a thriving career , not a job making what the upper class would consider a lot of money , but certainly for me pleanty to take care of myself and never have a use any Goverment programs. I was able to purchase a small Town House in low cost of living State-knowing everyone in my family had passed away from hedriditary disease , I never married or had children or went into C/C debt trying to play it safe and paying my full share of taxes claiming zero as to insure if and when I was afflicted my company whom did pay my long term disability policy and after multiple specialist and after 3 years of going through reviews every 3 months with each Doctor the LTD turned my case over to their SSD ATTRY to start the process when it became apparent that my health was on a serious decline and more disease were being diagnosed following a family histoy which altimately lead to death. Of course Cobra ran out , but I was very blessed because my Doctors had become personally invested with me and wrote letters to the drug mainufactors , my Morg. comp worked on a special program they had when my doctors provided documents as did my ATTRY , I sent , and I called my Senator who got personally involved and God Bless everyone who helped me and continues to pray for me, I am still alive. I was told it would take up 5 to 7 years to get approved , but through the help of my Doctors , my LTD and their Atty and the Senator and even the SSD who agreed to expedite a review of all the medical reviews and from the LTD who all of reviews submitted to them every 3 months for 3 years , I was granted my SSD . I know there is a lot fraud and my Senator explained to me that’s why people experience such delays. So I would encourage you if you are truly disabled and ihopefully not in my situation where there is no quality of physical but the hope of our nation returning to its core values ” to the people for the people and where we all look at each with love , respect and have intregity and honest and truth return to aspects of leadership like in the state I live. I do not hold it against one side or the other as I have never used a Goverment program before. But it was a group who took my calls , read my letters, researched my medical history and helped . And I praise G-d for them.
I hope this helps, I am but one story in millions… God Bless All Americans and I thank this Nation for without SSD I would not be writing you this letter. I know God will provide but he needs open hearts willing to do the right thing and that includes the hard work of no to fraud.
I actually have a question…I am 60 yrs old, waiting on an SSDI decision here soon. When might I be able to request my ex husbands benefits? (I am eligible to do so). Do I have to wait until I’m 62 or my full age of 66.4 OR is it feasible to collect it now, if and when I receive SSDI. Thank you.
Hi Martha, you may be eligible to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62 if:
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
If your spouse hasn’t applied for benefits, but can qualify for them and is age 62 or older, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s work if you’ve been divorced for at least two years. Please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced, then check out our publication, “What Every Woman Should Know” for more important information.
My son was diagnosed as bipolar at the age of 8. Raising him was a struggle as I worked full-time and went to school while attending to his medical, physical, and emotional needs. I also met with his team for psychological and judicial reasons on a weekly basis once he became a teen and into his 20’s. He was approved for disability at age 18 and it was such a blessing. He looked perfectly fine and capable of working, but what you couldn’ t see was the inner turmoil that prevented him from working–staying awake for days, then sleeping for days; med changes and adverse reactions; hallucenations, extreme anxiety; unable to leave the house for months as a result of his fear. What SSI did for him, was bought him time to get better and learn to manage his illness with resources, and to mature and gain confidence. He moved out of my house at age 29, went to school, got married and has a son. He and his wife just bought a house. SSI afforded him the time he needed, and he has been a contributing member of society ever since.
You say only the people that need it gets it, that’s bull, I know people that get it that could work, I also know someone that really need it and has been trying for years and keeps getting turned down.
I have been turned down twice for disability benefits & have been waiting for hearing date for quite some time. I started process over year ago & retained services of lawyer from the initial claim. I have both mental & physical issues. In addition I suddenly became a widow unexpectedly & quickly over year ago when husband of 39 years died suddenly. I’m barely getting by & struggling to survive.I’m 59 years old & until my health issues arose I’d worked since age 13…if I was able to work would still be doing so. EVEN physician wrote letters saying I’m unable to work at all & have tons of documentation from oncology. SURGEONS. Psych & primary care drs. Am on extreme amounts of meds as well..I .was curious how long does it usually take for hearing date? also husband was receiving social security. If for some reason I do not get approved for disability will I be able to collect on husbands social security when I turn 60 in august? I’m getting desperate. .Some days not sure life worth living anymore. .Any Advice Or Assistance APPRECIATED. Thank You For Your Time
Hi Anne. We are sorry to hear about your medical difficulties. Yes, you will be able to apply and begin receiving reduced widow’s benefits as soon as you are eligible (age 60). The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thank you for using our blog.
WHY THEN IS THE IMMIGRATES GOING TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY, AND THEY HAVE NEVER WORKED IN THE UNITED STATES, PLUS GOT A $1,000.00 GIFT CARD FROM WALMART, WE NEVER GOT FREE WALMART CARDS, OR SOCIAL SECURITY RIGHT AWAY. SOME PEOPLE HAVE WAITED MOUTHS, AND YEARS TO BE QUALIFIED. SUPPOSEDLY THEY ARE TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY, CITIEZINSHIP, WITH KNOW WAITING PERIOD, AND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE RIGHT AWAY. OTHER COUNTRIES WENT THROW HELL TO GET TO BE A US CITIZINE.
I have multiple medical issues (that is not seen by just looking at me) . I fought for 2 years to get SSD. I am able to work a few hours a week. Just because someone is able to work you don’t know the extent of it. I work to help supplement my SSD and to get me out of the house so I don’t go into depression. AFTER I do work those few hours a week I am exhausted and in alot of pain but don’t show that. Remember people can work on SSD but limited. Just because we can or do work doesn’t mean we are “cheating the system”. I pay dearly physically when I do work but don’t want to sit home and get more depressed about being disabled. I am greatful I am able to push myself to work.
When I went to the SSD doctors to be evaluated he said…I don’t know how you could work. But I was denied benefits. I am greatful I had a lawyer, and blessed my job paid me what I would have made on SSD until I got approved. I didn’t qualify because of the list they do have. I weighed 1 pound to much, and my kidney function was 2 points better then what they said it needed to be to qualify, and I could bend a slight amount more then the list. I fought and was told some people get denied to try to weed out the fakers.
I am blessed that I am still alive, able to work some to make me feel worthy (although I pay for it daily), and that I can collect no matter how much it is.
It’s hard but we should be greatful we are alive.
Hello Barbara, you can still apply for Social Security disability benefits. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. This publication provides an overview of workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability Insurance, and the interaction of these two programs. Also, you can visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
What about this: After decades on disability, Chicago ops are put back to work. There are a lot of people on disability that could go back to work. Why not let Social Security hired a lot of these people on disability instead of hiring people that don’t want to work. I worked 51 years at newspapers with a disability (one eye). A lot of other people could instead out hunting and fishing while on disability.
Social Security doesn’t pay people for reporting fraud like Medicare and the Veteran Administration. People would be reporting their neighbors and relatives if there was a reward.
Social Security doesn’t want to admit that there is much more fraud than what they are reporting.
People on mental disability can go hunting and fishing. They can go on vacation. They can drive and go bicycling. They just can’t work a 40 hours job. It is very easy to get that free disability money.
You don’t even ever have to see a psychologist/psychiatrist or have any medical records. Just apply and the SSA will send you to a psychologist/psychiatrist and you can get that free disability money.
Please don’t make ignorant comments like that. Thinking you will be able to walk in to one of SSA’s doctors and fake a mental disability is laughable, I have many clients with outstanding records showing a consistent treatment program and still get denied.
I see the disabled people in our country getting let down by our disability system daily, I fight for them and I also report fraud any time I come across it.
The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability. Our agency pays benefits to eligible individuals who can’t work due to a disabling mental or physical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Those who qualify based on our strict definition of disability are among the most severely disabled people in the country. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
Thank you for your comment, and thank you for helping. You’re right, the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability. Our agency pays benefits to eligible individuals who can’t work due to a disabling mental or physical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Those who qualify based on our strict definition of disability are among the most severely disabled people in the country. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
If ppl. with disabling mental illnesses are among the most severely disabled, then why do I personally know THREE ppl with SMIs who are undergoing CDRs right now? And please don’t give me that every 1,3 or 7 year CDR nonsense, and NO, none of them have been able to work in the past 3 years to trigger the reviews. They’ve all been reviewed within the past three years already. That WAS the schedule for all of the three.
My own son is one of them, and all his medical reviews from his own MDs and two SSA examiners were in his favor. His disability ended in August 2016 anyway. He appealed in Oct. w/i the 60 day period (yes, I was with him when he filed it.) It’s March of 2017 and we’re still waiting for the hearing. Perhaps some SSA worker threw out the appeal papers he filed, for THAT has happened before too! Oh, FYI, in case you live in a little bubble, I KNOW Obama increased funding dramatically for CDRs in 2012, with the goal of recooping $5 for every $1 spent. My son is in psychosis right now, AND without health insurance as a result. And no, he didn’t appeal within the 10 days to maintain benefits, and didn’t tell me about it w/i the 10 days b/c he thought he was “all better” by divine intervention. Yet, he’s an atheist.
What are SSA ppl. basing their decisions on…coin flips? a deck of cards? what & why? to fight job monotony?
I believe the SSA are cuing in on ppl. with SMI b/c they know they don’t have the wherewithall to navigate the system you work for and they are too overwhelmed with everyday life. Hey, just more homeless ppl., right Ray? THAT is the system you work for and I challenge you to get back to me, though I know you won’t.
It’s many of SSA’s employees that make me wish there really was a Hell.
Am I bitter? Oh no, not much Ray. Why would I be.
I don’t wish you a good day or a good life either, Ray.
I would like to know why you did not classify and accept my sister-in-law as disabled when she had to have both feet amputated and still did not accept her as disabled when she had to have both legs amputated at the hips.
People think it’s a joke when the see commercials about elderly human beings eating dog and cat food…believe me its not. Eventually you get use to it. You have to. I live on ssdi of $1400 a month. Most would say well thats plenty. Take away 750 rent..electric, gas water phone medical copays and you have nothing left. I see nothing left to live for.
I had no idea that one in four 20-year-olds becomes disabled before reaching retirement age. I can see why it would be important to become educated on how the program works just in case you are one of those who has that happen to them. My uncle will be retiring in a couple years. I’ll have to ask him if he has researched anything about it.
I am 60, disabled and collecting on my own work history-Divorced after ten years of marriage-getting remarried-Will I be able to collect half of my ex-husbands SS once I reach 62 (assuming half of his is greater than mine and after we have been divorce for 2 years)?
I am 65 years old, I made the decision to retire at 62 but things changed I had to go back to work. I signed up for Medicare at 65 as my employer said I had to, my insurance premiums were bing paid by them. When I signed up for Medicare I didn’t realize the process in making monthly premiums and since I do not get as benifits have to pay out of pocket. I was confused making the payment and paid the wrong amount, they canceled my Medicare and now I have no insurance, Medicare says social security has to take care of it and social security says Medicare does it. In the meantime I have no insurance and cannot see my doctor because I have no insurance, I am diabetic and have developed some complications because of it, went to the hospital a few days ago so that will be a big payment for me. I spent 4.5 hours at the social security office December 15 paid the money they asked for called them back as I had not heard anything they said to contact Medicare, which I did then Medicare said call social security which I did. Still have no insurance and my health is failing, what do I do now feel like no one cares I wish I had refused to take Medicare but unfortunately stuck with it and still no insurance. Can anyone help?
I had to stop working to take care of my disabled son and husband I was told I should check into getting paid for this so I can continue putting money in my social security for retirement.If this is true what do I need to do
I have applied for ssdi
I have lawyer been turned down 2 times
Waiting on my 3rd hearing its been 2 years
I need some finacial help here?
What can i do?
Hello John. The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case.
While you wait you may want to check and see if you are eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services or welfare office. Or you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
Thanks!
If you are SSD an making 940 from social security how much more can one earn in a month and still receive SSD an is it acceptable to work 20 hours a week and the earning 10.50 an hour
Hi Jordan, thank you for your question. Social Security has special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. These are called work incentives.
For SSDI beneficiaries, there is a Trial Work Period (TWP) and then an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During this period, you will receive your full disability benefit regardless of how much you earn as long as your work activity is reported and you continue to have a disabling impairment. In 2018, any month in which earnings exceed $850 is considered a month of the 9-month trial work period.
Once you’ve completed your TWP, you get a 36-month safety net called the EPE. During the EPE, you get benefits for all months your earnings or work activities are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment. Social Security will suspend cash benefits for months earnings are over SGA and start benefits again if earnings fall below the SGA level. In 2018, you are earning SGA if your earnings, after any allowable deductions, are more than $1,180 in a month.
See Social Security’s Red Book for descriptions of the many work incentives.
Hello
After a car left me with compound leg fractures at 60,I started to receive private LTD, and SSD. My LTD benefits were depleted.
Will I get what I used to received from the LTD back from SS?
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Carol, thank you for using our blog. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
It is important to report that information and to inquire about your benefits. To do this, contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
aren’t you people ashamed for just giving us a paltry 3 dollars COLA this year??? Real life says that Insurance (both home and auto), clothing, shoes, Rent Phone, Cable, Medicare Part D, Auto License and Registration fees, Water and Sewer, Power and Home Heating,……….all go up….not just Gasoline and Food as you base the COLA on. The current Administration has lost a huge volume of Votes for their party because of this. Including mine!!!
I think they are being prudent in an election cycle that could bring focus on the program crashing down. I wish for more, but I think there is an election outcome that could change our lives 100x worse than not getting a truly proportionate COLA increase. I hope people are voting to support those who have been aiding the disabled, responsibly.
Please do not support the someone that makes fun of disable people, because you never know when it will happen to you.
Both have
Very true
This is absolutely true!
Thank you. I agree with your comments 100%.
Speak for yourself. They haven’t lost my vote!!
The COLA is based on a formula related to the CPI and enacted by Congress many years ago. It’s not political. It’s not a choice Social Security Administration makes. Only Congress can enact a supplemental emergency increase if they think it’s needed, or change the formula.
Congress hasn’t addressed SS in a very long time. Why should they. They have the best health care in the world, the best retirement plan in the world, that we pay for. It may take a while to weed out these deadbeats that claim they’re for the little guy, but are only there, for themselves. Maybe then, they can concentrate on what’s important FOR THE PEOPLE, with SS, being at the top of the list.
I wish people would stop saying that people who are Disabled have it easy, they are “Living off the money paid in from THEIR paychecks!”
Um, don’t you nitwits realize that Disabled people have also paid into SS? When they were able to work BEFORE whatever TRAGEDY has left them having to apply for SSD, YES, they WORKED AND PAID INTO IT JUST LIKE YOU! I can only hope n pray nothing happens to YOU leaving you with no other option than to apply!
true. IF they do not have a Track Work Record? It goes by the next of kin (parent or parents). So it is never based off other peoples taxes. Nor is it a Govt Fund, Entitlement Program, or any kind of Govt Assistance Program paid for by Govt Taxes.
some do that is true, but If you and your growing family who are disabled and never will work or pay a nickle into the system are receiving payments starting with the first day of your life, that is not a good thing and a very serious problem for the RETIREMENT fund and a major reason the account is going broke,and fast.I myself know many people you are collecting dis.payments and every single one of them can and do work off the books.
its time for social security to do something more for all the recipients 0f social security. I cannot make ends meet and have to go without food every month and cannot pay my car or cable bill. what am it suppose to do as I am on permanent disability?
Helen is csorrect. Am on SS full benefits–SSA, SSI, Food Stamps, and Medicare-Medicaid. However, I lost my SSI, Food Stamps, and Medicare-Medicaid health insurance when I went abroad to retire because I was afraid of winter.
Since I left, I have been on a very tight budget so that most of the time forgo my medicines and going hunger, and cut my utilities. I have to beg to survive. The law on benefits must be amended soonest by the incoming Administration.
It is so unfair for Senior U.S. Citizen who opted to live abroad to avoid unbearable winter conditions.
What was your source of income while living overseas?
Downsize your car and cable bill. SSDI is not luxury insurance! I made $125K the last year before I became disabled with brain surgery. I had to learn to live on less than 20% of that amount. With discipline and constant attention on expenses, I have extra money each month.
If you are going without food then these are absolute no-no’s.
Cigarettes, Sodas, Lottery, Premium gas, recreational drugs, newly acquired monthly drafts, etc.
I can’t understand people buying lottery tickets or junk on SSDI, it seems wrong. I don’t even own a car, I could never afford it. I am only able to rent a room and it takes half of everything.
Thank you for your comment Dennis. The Social Security Act provides for an automatic increase in Social Security and SSI benefits only if there is an increase in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For additional information, please go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
The COLA formula is set by law.
The administration does not set the COLA rate.
Elect a Congress that cares about older and disabled people and they can pass a law that changes the formula
Good luck.
my friend who is on disability got no raise because medicare took it away
in 2017 no raise
You’re right John, for some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase (COLA) may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
Social Security disability is widely recognized by experts across the political spectrum as having a fraud rate well above any national norm. From the West Virginia judge who approved almost 100% of any claims for years, to the fact the total program has quadrupled over the past decade, following the 2008 economic meltdown. Progressives have increasingly used it to overturn Bill Clinton’s welfare reforms. This blog comes much closer to pure propaganda than any factual statements of truth.
The one instance you cite is an aberration based on vocational limitations of that geographic population as much as anything else. Your understanding is based on fear mongering by conservative politicians who should be more concerned about corporate fraud including but not limited to Wells Fargo and the actions that led to the total collapse of our economy in 2008.
Liberal policies led to the 2008 economic collapse if you bothered to do any research. You are spouting party talking points.
Really, where do you get your information from? I’m curious, since the banks were at near collapse and housing foreclosures were at an extreme high, unemployment was at almost a near high by the end of Presidents Bush. All due respect to President Bush, I’m sure he wanted to do what was best for the country, but it wasn’t working out that way.
The only “liberal policies” leading to the 2008 crash were those of the financial sector. No, it wasn’t poor homeowners either, which is an absurdity – especially for the greatest world economy. The main problem was due to flagrantly bundle debt into “derivatives,” which made sure that the rich executives got their money. So instead of denying them, they crashed the economy, worldwide.
It fell to the Bush jr. economic policies, especially. Job creation was virtually nil. By the time of the end of his term, the economy was bleeding jobs from every corner.
Hmm. Then again the ALJ who oversaw my hearing, on average, approves just 17% of his cases. (national average is 43% at the hearing phase.)
That judge ignored the SSA examiner’s report which was in my favor, and cherry picked my three doctor’s reports (also all in my favor) for a few periods of wellness, and he ignored the rest. I took the case to Fed. Ct, was granted a remand since the ALJ had “ignored evidence in the file,” and “formed his own medical opinion.” I had another hearing before the same ALJ three years after the first, and was awarded benefits by this hanging judge.
Of course, the whole process ONLY took 5.5 years, and I was 60 by then. I had also lost my house and got to file my first bankruptcy 6 months before the final judgment. Held out as long as I could.
What a piece of cake, huh??? No stress at all! I still have rich fantasies about the death of that ALJ and I still wish him harm, though I would never do anything myself. You bet I’m bitter about it.
THESE CASES SHOULD NOT BE DECIDED BY PULLING STRAWS!
I clearly pulled the shortest one.
I am so happy you’ve done this. As a lawyer with 30 years of practice in SSD work I am consistently explaining these things to people who call my office and to the public when speaking at seminars. I wish the American public knew how difficult it is to obtain these benefits and how reluctant the average worker is to apply. Thank you again.
Fact: Under this Administration getting on disability is far easier than it was before. Witness the expansion in the disability roles. And the average worker who is without a job is more than eager to apply. Stick to your legal profession and leave the explanation of getting benefits to the career politicians who try to expand programs as a bribe to get people to vote them into power.
I became disabled in 1973. I applied in 2010. I worked at whatever jobs I could find as long as I could possibly find work. I am proud of the fact that I was able to work as long as I did. I was denied when I applied. I appealed and was granted disability by a judge. It is not easy to get on disability. Maybe we have more applicants now because baby boomers are getting older and have more disabilities?
Nobody wants to be disabled.
I was going to say the same thing about baby boomers. I became disabled in 1979 and have been on SSDI since 1980. I have worked part time work for most of these years, but I had to stop working altogether, 8 years ago. I was paying back into the system as I was working. I also volunteered with AmeriCorps VISTA for 2 years and created programs for youth in my community. I was working my way off of disability when I ended up having new medical issues and more major surgeries. It isn’t easy living with disabilities.
It took me 2-3 years to get on SSDI. My attorney explicitly told me not to look for work. Follow the rules and then I was accepted into the program. It took me twice to get in. Its not a piece of cake anymore. Now you have to take an IQ test when you apply and have review! I had to move in with family and that is not fun. I live day-by-day trying to survive.
I am not surprised that you are having problems with your doc. They think that they are above us mere mortals and that we should not ask them for anything other than what they grcisoualy bestow upon us.
Here’s a myth for you – the ALJs are all not fair. Again, I suggest you take a good, hard look at Judge in the Chattanooga office. He is a legend in his own mind!!!
This is great information to know. I work in a correctional facility in the State of Kansas as a Discharge Planner and file primarily SSI. We have a MOU with Social Security in Wichita KS I know that it a person becomes incarcerated we have to re-file after 12 months. Could there be a myths and facts email about incarceration and SSI? There are many questions about this in the correctional arena. .
Thank you for contacting us Dave. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments generally aren’t payable for months that individuals are confined to a jail, prison, or certain other public institutions for committing a crime. However the prerelease procedure allows individuals –potentially eligible- to apply for SSI before their anticipated release from an institution so that benefits can begin after their release. For additional information via our pamphlets, please see the links below:
• Entering The Community After Incarceration—How We Can Help
• What Prisoners Need To Know
My wife was disabled at age 35 in 1980 by a brain aneurysm and stroke. When we applied for disability Social Security they concluded that she lacked one quarter (3 months) of having paid in enough to qualify for disability. My wife bore this in anguish for years as she wanted to feel that she was contributing in some way to our well-being as she was unable to contribute in any other way. Our congress person’s advice was for me to go to Washington and make a personal plea before congress so they might slip it in to another bill that might pass. Needless to say, I was unable to do that. In retrospect, had we known, we would have paid in that 3 months to SS, even though she wasn’t working.
Your congress person should have done that for you as that is what we elect them for.
So you would have gamed the system by paying an additional quarter of coverage.
Nice!
To clarify. You cannot get more credits by voluntarily contributing money to Social Security. You can earn credits only by working in a job or your own business that is covered under Social Security.
To clarify. You cannot get more credits by voluntarily contributing money to Social Security. You can earn credits only by working in a job or your own business that is covered under Social Security.
People who are on ss disability still continue to work but, get paid under the table. I would like to report the ones I know but, there are people who receive food stamps that shouldn’t so where do you stop all the fraud. Its all around us, America has gone so far down the tube in the past 8 years it may never recover. I would like to retire but I still HAVE to work to support myself at 72 years old and I hate that my hard earned dollars are going to all these illegals and lazy free loaders. maybe I can retire before I’m 80! Sick and tired!
Supporting a candidate who does not support minimum wage is hardly the way to ensure your retirement. And you SHOULD report fraud because the system fails when you don’t. And by the way, undocumented workers cannot receive either SSI or SSD.
As a business owner the Govt. should not be telling me what I can or can not afford to pay someone to work for me period….also one myth that I see everyday is that people who are on disability are not able to do anything. They mow their yards, they shovel snow, they deer hunt, the work on cars, they haul bales of hay, now tell me they could not work in Walmart if they can do all of that? Fraud is rampant every where. I know of a person that is on SSDI because she says she can not be around a lot of people, yet she goes to crowded auctions and does just fine there. It is bull that that many people that are on the roles are actually unable to do something to maintain their sense of well being and pride…
C. Wilson you do know that some illnesses are invisible right? Or are you one of those people who play doctor from home? You do realize that we have to jump through hurdles and be re evaluated every so many years correct? Oh I am going to assume you know nothing of the above.
Yes they can collect and they do. Our government ships them in and supplies them with Food Stamps, Medicaid, disability. I live in Fla and see it with the Haitians, Muslims, Mexicans all of which are not citizens but illegals and “refugees”. Do not for a second think only “legal” can and do get because where there is a way they will get it!
they can’t get SSDI unless they are legal, have worked, and have paid into the system for the numbers of quarters and years that are required for SSDI. DI stands for disability Insurance. SSI is Supplemental Security Income for those who don’t qualify for SSDI.
Really, where do you get your information from? I’m curious, since the banks were at near collapse and housing foreclosures were at an extreme high, unemployment was at almost a near high by the end of Presidents Bush. All due respect to President Bush, I’m sure he wanted to do what was best for the country, but it wasn’t working out that way.
The majority of Refugees are bought to this Country by Churches. If you want to complain about how many refugees they bring in or who, contact the various religious organizations that are supported by Church donations. These are under missions and missionary work dollars.
Are you forgetting that there is also a House & a Senate? Any President can not run a country by themselves.
Are you forgetting something called “Executive Order”? The president can operate on his own which is hard but possible.
As for example our current president that said he had a pen and a phone, indicating he didnt need congress!
If you see someone who you feel is truly committing fraud ( remember not all disabilities are visible to the eye though) then report it. The program doesn’t have the resources to follow around each person receiving benefits and therefore rely on fellow citizens to provide them the information they need to launch an investigation. The system works best when we all do our part to be their eyes and ears.
Thank you for your comment Suzy. We take allegations of fraud very seriously. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it.
The Social Security Administration loans out
all this money to lawyers
and takes it away from
those that earned. Then
they let unlicensed people
into the court systems.
Judges are supposed to be attoprneis or those with family members that are attornies like Caroline-
she gave up and left the
country. No lawyers will
be around as they are throwing the lawyers that ran the law schools
without federal money into the gutter. go to the law school that teaches
you Rob Peter to pay Paul.
Amen, I’m sick and tired of the crooked politicians letting them in so they will vote for them,, illegals don’t deserve NOTHING.
To pay for all the freeloaders you’ll have to work until you are 167 years old.
I have witnessed and can concurr with what you 100% as I see the same thing going on around my area all the time but do not turn these people in either. There is more fraud in the system than they are willing to admit. What really bothers me is I worked hard and paid into the system for 45 years, served in military for six years and the Vietnam war. I fell off a roof onto concrete and shatterd both my ankles with metal in both legs and ankles, several surgeries, arthritus and limited mobility. I applied for disability when I was still in a wheel chair and could not walk with lots of pain and was also denied. I would have received a little more than my retirement but would also have to pursue it in court. I did not because of cost verses the extra amount. Four years later still suffering and still require more surgery over the three that I have been through. I was under for ten hours on one of them. I wish you well.
The fraud is not generally perpetrated by the applicants, but by the system that takes years to approve a disabled person. Why does the system do this? So that the lawyers and court-appointed (usually psych) experts can get paid. If the system were legit, there would be a list of disabilities, and the applicant would be approved from that list in 30 days. Lawyers/advocates or any other leech would be forbidden to take a red cent from the disabled person’s award.
just so you know there is a list. and it’s very comprehensive. you show just how much you don’t know. the list is what is used. you need to have a lot of tests to show you qualify. but if you are really sick you are approved very quick. the 2 years part is because these people are on the bubble.
The list is there and is used. They also use the department of Education and someone else I forgot to determine of someone can do another job if deemed not able to do their chosen job. They look at all angles which is why it takes so long. I agree the lawyers muck up the system as much as the workers processing the claims but when its time to see the “judge” all is said and done and you sit there while the judge consults with the person who is looking up possible jobs the disabled can do or can’t do then the decision is made based on the list/education/retraining if possible
Are we able to ” pay” into SS.SSDI.SDI in order to qualify for benefits?
Are earned credits out the window now?
We use the Social Security taxes you and other workers pay into the system to pay Social Security benefits. Credits are the “building blocks” we use to find out whether you have the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefits. When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI), you must be “currently insured” or have worked long enough–and recently enough—under Social Security. See Insured Status Requirements for more information.
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Speaking as someone who lived a fullfilled live with a thriving career , not a job making what the upper class would consider a lot of money , but certainly for me pleanty to take care of myself and never have a use any Goverment programs. I was able to purchase a small Town House in low cost of living State-knowing everyone in my family had passed away from hedriditary disease , I never married or had children or went into C/C debt trying to play it safe and paying my full share of taxes claiming zero as to insure if and when I was afflicted my company whom did pay my long term disability policy and after multiple specialist and after 3 years of going through reviews every 3 months with each Doctor the LTD turned my case over to their SSD ATTRY to start the process when it became apparent that my health was on a serious decline and more disease were being diagnosed following a family histoy which altimately lead to death. Of course Cobra ran out , but I was very blessed because my Doctors had become personally invested with me and wrote letters to the drug mainufactors , my Morg. comp worked on a special program they had when my doctors provided documents as did my ATTRY , I sent , and I called my Senator who got personally involved and God Bless everyone who helped me and continues to pray for me, I am still alive. I was told it would take up 5 to 7 years to get approved , but through the help of my Doctors , my LTD and their Atty and the Senator and even the SSD who agreed to expedite a review of all the medical reviews and from the LTD who all of reviews submitted to them every 3 months for 3 years , I was granted my SSD . I know there is a lot fraud and my Senator explained to me that’s why people experience such delays. So I would encourage you if you are truly disabled and ihopefully not in my situation where there is no quality of physical but the hope of our nation returning to its core values ” to the people for the people and where we all look at each with love , respect and have intregity and honest and truth return to aspects of leadership like in the state I live. I do not hold it against one side or the other as I have never used a Goverment program before. But it was a group who took my calls , read my letters, researched my medical history and helped . And I praise G-d for them.
I hope this helps, I am but one story in millions… God Bless All Americans and I thank this Nation for without SSD I would not be writing you this letter. I know God will provide but he needs open hearts willing to do the right thing and that includes the hard work of no to fraud.
I actually have a question…I am 60 yrs old, waiting on an SSDI decision here soon. When might I be able to request my ex husbands benefits? (I am eligible to do so). Do I have to wait until I’m 62 or my full age of 66.4 OR is it feasible to collect it now, if and when I receive SSDI. Thank you.
Hi Martha, you may be eligible to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62 if:
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
If your spouse hasn’t applied for benefits, but can qualify for them and is age 62 or older, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s work if you’ve been divorced for at least two years. Please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced, then check out our publication, “What Every Woman Should Know” for more important information.
I just hope with all the meddling SS doesn’t go the way of OBAMACARE.
My son was diagnosed as bipolar at the age of 8. Raising him was a struggle as I worked full-time and went to school while attending to his medical, physical, and emotional needs. I also met with his team for psychological and judicial reasons on a weekly basis once he became a teen and into his 20’s. He was approved for disability at age 18 and it was such a blessing. He looked perfectly fine and capable of working, but what you couldn’ t see was the inner turmoil that prevented him from working–staying awake for days, then sleeping for days; med changes and adverse reactions; hallucenations, extreme anxiety; unable to leave the house for months as a result of his fear. What SSI did for him, was bought him time to get better and learn to manage his illness with resources, and to mature and gain confidence. He moved out of my house at age 29, went to school, got married and has a son. He and his wife just bought a house. SSI afforded him the time he needed, and he has been a contributing member of society ever since.
A success story! Thank you for this positive news.
You say only the people that need it gets it, that’s bull, I know people that get it that could work, I also know someone that really need it and has been trying for years and keeps getting turned down.
I have been turned down twice for disability benefits & have been waiting for hearing date for quite some time. I started process over year ago & retained services of lawyer from the initial claim. I have both mental & physical issues. In addition I suddenly became a widow unexpectedly & quickly over year ago when husband of 39 years died suddenly. I’m barely getting by & struggling to survive.I’m 59 years old & until my health issues arose I’d worked since age 13…if I was able to work would still be doing so. EVEN physician wrote letters saying I’m unable to work at all & have tons of documentation from oncology. SURGEONS. Psych & primary care drs. Am on extreme amounts of meds as well..I .was curious how long does it usually take for hearing date? also husband was receiving social security. If for some reason I do not get approved for disability will I be able to collect on husbands social security when I turn 60 in august? I’m getting desperate. .Some days not sure life worth living anymore. .Any Advice Or Assistance APPRECIATED. Thank You For Your Time
Hi Anne. We are sorry to hear about your medical difficulties. Yes, you will be able to apply and begin receiving reduced widow’s benefits as soon as you are eligible (age 60). The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. The good news is that we are trying to conduct many of our hearings through video teleconferencing (VTC) to speed up the process. Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thank you for using our blog.
i personally feel what lawyers are paid WHEN APPROVED is not right.
i know on my 2 personal claims that it was me doing the work of getting drs. medical records, etc. taking many MONTHS to do this and reading thru it.
in my case, the lawyer was not entitled to $$ since he quit me 4 yrs. into this WAIVING this right, but i would have paid $6,000 at that time.
WHY THEN IS THE IMMIGRATES GOING TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY, AND THEY HAVE NEVER WORKED IN THE UNITED STATES, PLUS GOT A $1,000.00 GIFT CARD FROM WALMART, WE NEVER GOT FREE WALMART CARDS, OR SOCIAL SECURITY RIGHT AWAY. SOME PEOPLE HAVE WAITED MOUTHS, AND YEARS TO BE QUALIFIED. SUPPOSEDLY THEY ARE TO GET SOCIAL SECURITY, CITIEZINSHIP, WITH KNOW WAITING PERIOD, AND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE RIGHT AWAY. OTHER COUNTRIES WENT THROW HELL TO GET TO BE A US CITIZINE.
I have multiple medical issues (that is not seen by just looking at me) . I fought for 2 years to get SSD. I am able to work a few hours a week. Just because someone is able to work you don’t know the extent of it. I work to help supplement my SSD and to get me out of the house so I don’t go into depression. AFTER I do work those few hours a week I am exhausted and in alot of pain but don’t show that. Remember people can work on SSD but limited. Just because we can or do work doesn’t mean we are “cheating the system”. I pay dearly physically when I do work but don’t want to sit home and get more depressed about being disabled. I am greatful I am able to push myself to work.
When I went to the SSD doctors to be evaluated he said…I don’t know how you could work. But I was denied benefits. I am greatful I had a lawyer, and blessed my job paid me what I would have made on SSD until I got approved. I didn’t qualify because of the list they do have. I weighed 1 pound to much, and my kidney function was 2 points better then what they said it needed to be to qualify, and I could bend a slight amount more then the list. I fought and was told some people get denied to try to weed out the fakers.
I am blessed that I am still alive, able to work some to make me feel worthy (although I pay for it daily), and that I can collect no matter how much it is.
It’s hard but we should be greatful we are alive.
What I don’t understand is if you are getting workmans comp. For getting hurt on the job why can’t you get social security disability.
Hello Barbara, you can still apply for Social Security disability benefits. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. This publication provides an overview of workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability Insurance, and the interaction of these two programs. Also, you can visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
What about this: After decades on disability, Chicago ops are put back to work. There are a lot of people on disability that could go back to work. Why not let Social Security hired a lot of these people on disability instead of hiring people that don’t want to work. I worked 51 years at newspapers with a disability (one eye). A lot of other people could instead out hunting and fishing while on disability.
Social Security doesn’t pay people for reporting fraud like Medicare and the Veteran Administration. People would be reporting their neighbors and relatives if there was a reward.
Social Security doesn’t want to admit that there is much more fraud than what they are reporting.
People on mental disability can go hunting and fishing. They can go on vacation. They can drive and go bicycling. They just can’t work a 40 hours job. It is very easy to get that free disability money.
You don’t even ever have to see a psychologist/psychiatrist or have any medical records. Just apply and the SSA will send you to a psychologist/psychiatrist and you can get that free disability money.
Please don’t make ignorant comments like that. Thinking you will be able to walk in to one of SSA’s doctors and fake a mental disability is laughable, I have many clients with outstanding records showing a consistent treatment program and still get denied.
I see the disabled people in our country getting let down by our disability system daily, I fight for them and I also report fraud any time I come across it.
You don’t know nothing, that is why the clients you help got denied.
I just apply and put down a mental disorder on the Listing . The SSA send me to a mental CE exam and I got approved.
The psychologist/psychiatrist your clients go to is a fraud. That is why the SSA believes the CE psychologist/psychiatrist over their treating source.
The Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability. Our agency pays benefits to eligible individuals who can’t work due to a disabling mental or physical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Those who qualify based on our strict definition of disability are among the most severely disabled people in the country. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
I simply don’t believe you.
I have done this for years and have won thousands of cases, your description of your case is not credible.
Thank you for your comment, and thank you for helping. You’re right, the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability. Our agency pays benefits to eligible individuals who can’t work due to a disabling mental or physical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Those who qualify based on our strict definition of disability are among the most severely disabled people in the country. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
If ppl. with disabling mental illnesses are among the most severely disabled, then why do I personally know THREE ppl with SMIs who are undergoing CDRs right now? And please don’t give me that every 1,3 or 7 year CDR nonsense, and NO, none of them have been able to work in the past 3 years to trigger the reviews. They’ve all been reviewed within the past three years already. That WAS the schedule for all of the three.
My own son is one of them, and all his medical reviews from his own MDs and two SSA examiners were in his favor. His disability ended in August 2016 anyway. He appealed in Oct. w/i the 60 day period (yes, I was with him when he filed it.) It’s March of 2017 and we’re still waiting for the hearing. Perhaps some SSA worker threw out the appeal papers he filed, for THAT has happened before too! Oh, FYI, in case you live in a little bubble, I KNOW Obama increased funding dramatically for CDRs in 2012, with the goal of recooping $5 for every $1 spent. My son is in psychosis right now, AND without health insurance as a result. And no, he didn’t appeal within the 10 days to maintain benefits, and didn’t tell me about it w/i the 10 days b/c he thought he was “all better” by divine intervention. Yet, he’s an atheist.
What are SSA ppl. basing their decisions on…coin flips? a deck of cards? what & why? to fight job monotony?
I believe the SSA are cuing in on ppl. with SMI b/c they know they don’t have the wherewithall to navigate the system you work for and they are too overwhelmed with everyday life. Hey, just more homeless ppl., right Ray? THAT is the system you work for and I challenge you to get back to me, though I know you won’t.
It’s many of SSA’s employees that make me wish there really was a Hell.
Am I bitter? Oh no, not much Ray. Why would I be.
I don’t wish you a good day or a good life either, Ray.
I would like to know why you did not classify and accept my sister-in-law as disabled when she had to have both feet amputated and still did not accept her as disabled when she had to have both legs amputated at the hips.
People think it’s a joke when the see commercials about elderly human beings eating dog and cat food…believe me its not. Eventually you get use to it. You have to. I live on ssdi of $1400 a month. Most would say well thats plenty. Take away 750 rent..electric, gas water phone medical copays and you have nothing left. I see nothing left to live for.
I had no idea that one in four 20-year-olds becomes disabled before reaching retirement age. I can see why it would be important to become educated on how the program works just in case you are one of those who has that happen to them. My uncle will be retiring in a couple years. I’ll have to ask him if he has researched anything about it.
I am 60, disabled and collecting on my own work history-Divorced after ten years of marriage-getting remarried-Will I be able to collect half of my ex-husbands SS once I reach 62 (assuming half of his is greater than mine and after we have been divorce for 2 years)?
I am 65 years old, I made the decision to retire at 62 but things changed I had to go back to work. I signed up for Medicare at 65 as my employer said I had to, my insurance premiums were bing paid by them. When I signed up for Medicare I didn’t realize the process in making monthly premiums and since I do not get as benifits have to pay out of pocket. I was confused making the payment and paid the wrong amount, they canceled my Medicare and now I have no insurance, Medicare says social security has to take care of it and social security says Medicare does it. In the meantime I have no insurance and cannot see my doctor because I have no insurance, I am diabetic and have developed some complications because of it, went to the hospital a few days ago so that will be a big payment for me. I spent 4.5 hours at the social security office December 15 paid the money they asked for called them back as I had not heard anything they said to contact Medicare, which I did then Medicare said call social security which I did. Still have no insurance and my health is failing, what do I do now feel like no one cares I wish I had refused to take Medicare but unfortunately stuck with it and still no insurance. Can anyone help?
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Nice!
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html
I had to stop working to take care of my disabled son and husband I was told I should check into getting paid for this so I can continue putting money in my social security for retirement.If this is true what do I need to do
I have applied for ssdi
I have lawyer been turned down 2 times
Waiting on my 3rd hearing its been 2 years
I need some finacial help here?
What can i do?
Hello John. The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case.
While you wait you may want to check and see if you are eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services or welfare office. Or you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
Thanks!
If you are SSD an making 940 from social security how much more can one earn in a month and still receive SSD an is it acceptable to work 20 hours a week and the earning 10.50 an hour
Hi Jordan, thank you for your question. Social Security has special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments. These are called work incentives.
For SSDI beneficiaries, there is a Trial Work Period (TWP) and then an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During this period, you will receive your full disability benefit regardless of how much you earn as long as your work activity is reported and you continue to have a disabling impairment. In 2018, any month in which earnings exceed $850 is considered a month of the 9-month trial work period.
Once you’ve completed your TWP, you get a 36-month safety net called the EPE. During the EPE, you get benefits for all months your earnings or work activities are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level as long as you continue to have a disabling impairment. Social Security will suspend cash benefits for months earnings are over SGA and start benefits again if earnings fall below the SGA level. In 2018, you are earning SGA if your earnings, after any allowable deductions, are more than $1,180 in a month.
See Social Security’s Red Book for descriptions of the many work incentives.
Hello
After a car left me with compound leg fractures at 60,I started to receive private LTD, and SSD. My LTD benefits were depleted.
Will I get what I used to received from the LTD back from SS?
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Carol, thank you for using our blog. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
It is important to report that information and to inquire about your benefits. To do this, contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.