Social Security Disability and long-term disability benefits

When you suffer an injury and become disabled, you may want to look into obtaining Social Security Disability benefits. SSD benefits bring in a monthly income, allowing you to provide for yourself despite being unable to work. In addition to SSD, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which pays benefits if you have the financial need.

Whenever you’re hurt and suffer a disability, it’s best to apply for SSD as soon as possible. It can take many months for an application to be approved. Working with your attorney on your application will give you a better chance of having an approval on your first application. If you do not get approved, then you will need to appeal the denial, which can take months or years.

How does the Social Security Administration decide if you’re disabled?

To start with, the SSA needs to see that you cannot do the work you used to do, can’t adjust to other work, or that your disability will result in death or last for a year, or longer. The SSA’s programs are designed for long-term disability and assume that you will have access to benefits such as workers’ compensation or insurance until you’re able to receive SSD benefits.

The Social Security Administration does not pay out for partial disabilities. If you have a partial disability, you may need to look into other options, such as settlements for a personal injury or workplace accident.

How much money can you earn while still being considered disabled?

In 2019, you can earn an average of up to $1,220 per month and still be considered disabled. That means that those considered disabled may still work part-time or lower-paying jobs without the jobs affecting their disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration only pays out to those who have severe conditions. That means that your disability has to impact your ability to do things like sitting, walking or standing. The disability has to affect you for a year or longer before it can be considered a disability under the SSA’s requirements.

As long as your condition is lasting over a year and will continue to impact your ability to work and provide for yourself in Charlotte, you should be able to seek compensation through the Social Security Administration. You can look at the SSA’s list of conditions to see if yours is included as a disabling condition, which will further boost your case.