On The Subject Of Social Security Impairment: What You Must Be Aware Of Prior To Filing For Handicap Benefits
Most people will think of retiring when they hear Social Security, however Social Security provides benefits to people who are handicapped as well.
The list of requirements that must be met for Social Security disability benefits is pretty big, and many people don't meet up with those requirements. In reality, the Social Security Administration argues over 60% of applicants are generally denied each year because they don't meet the strict definition of disability.
Before filing for disability - tests you must meet to determine if you are eligible to benefits:
First, you need to be fully covered by insurance, which means you have gained 40 credits over 10 years in protected employment. In 2011, you must earn at least $1,120 to earn one credit and $4,480 to earn four credits (you can only earn four credits in a year). If you have less than 10 years of work track record, there is an alternative evaluation based on your age to determine if you meet the duration of function test.
The second test is the modern work test, which basically says that you must have earned at least 20 credits in the last five out of ten years that ends with the calendar quarter you became disabled. In general, you would need recent work background in order to qualify for disability benefits. Again, alternate tests apply for individuals that become disabled before age 31, since they haven't had time to build the work history that older workers have.
Social Security has a very stringent definition of impairment, so make sure you meet the requirements before filling your Social Security disability application. It's important to note that Social Security does not pay benefits based on partial disabilities, you must be totally and irreversibly disabled to be receiving benefits. According to Social Security one is handicapped when he or she is unable to work because of a medical problem or condition that prevailed or can be anticipated to last for at least one year (continuously), or which will result in the person's loss of life. Also, the person must not be able to engage in any "substantial gainful activity".
If you meet the strict definition of disability above, then you should apply for Social Security benefits as soon as possible. Initially, the time to process your application is extremely lengthy; second, there is a mandatory five-month waiting period, so you will not receive health benefits right away when filing for handicap.
Social Security Death Benefits Can Certainly Help Monetarily Once Husband Or Wife Or Other Loved One Has Passed Away Qualifying relatives of individuals who have passed away can receive assistance from social security death benefits. The payments provided vary and depend on a number of things such as the payments that have been made to social security as well as the relationship of the relative to the individual.
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