Find Out Early If You Qualify For
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
Allsup outlines considerations
when seeking SSDI benefits, how to know if you should
apply
Belleville, Ill.- June 29,
2011 - An aging population is one factor in the growing numbers of
workers who experience a disability and wonder if they are eligible
for Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, according to
Allsup, which represents tens of thousands of people in the SSDI
application and hearing process each year. There are a number of
factors and criteria that the Social Security Administration (SSA)
uses to evaluate a claim for SSDI benefits, according to Allsup, so
it's important to know beforehand if you are likely to
qualify.
The SSDI application process can add to the stress and
frustration of those who have experienced a severe disability and
must quit working. "Seeking help from an SSDI representative such
as Allsup early in the process can make a big difference,"
according to Ed Swierczek, Allsup senior claimant
representative.
"One of the first steps is understanding if you are going to
be eligible based on your current circumstances," Swierczek said.
SSDI is a federally mandated disability insurance program
overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that operates
separately from the retirement and SSI programs. SSDI provides
monthly benefits to individuals who are under full retirement age
(age 65 or older) and who can no longer work because of a
disability (injury, illness or condition) that is expected to last
for at least 12 months or is terminal. Individuals must have paid
FICA taxes to be eligible. More details are provided in the SSDI
Overview on Allsup.com.
Understanding Eligibility Criteria
Early
Choosing representation at the beginning of the process is one
of the simpler decisions people can make to improve their chances
of receiving their
SSDI benefits more quickly and with less hassle. Contacting a
representative also is a good first step to determining if someone
is likely to be eligible and qualify for Social Security Disability
Insurance benefits. "It's important to know you can get help before
you send in the first forms," said Swierczek said. "Allsup
representatives have helped thousands of people to better
understand what it takes to qualify for SSDI benefits."
The SSA follows a five-step sequential process to evaluate
applications for disability benefits. The federal agency makes
decisions based on medical documentation, work history, age and
other factors.
One of the first factors evaluated with someone is their
current working status. "First, the SSA determines if an individual
is still working at a level that coincides with substantial gainful
activity," Swierczek explained. Earning a certain dollar
amount-$1,000 per month or more in 2011-can disqualify someone from
receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Another important component of an SSDI claim is the person's
work history. People must have paid FICA taxes for a certain period
of time at a certain level in the years prior to their disability.
Those with disabilities who have questions about eligibility for
Social Security disability benefits, can contact the Allsup
Disability Evaluation Center for a free SSDI evaluation at (800)
678-3276. Find more information about eligibility for disability
benefits on Allsup.com.
Along with helping determine eligibility, expert SSDI
representatives can provide valuable support during the
adjudication and review process. The Social Security Disability
Insurance program is a multilayer process that involves claim
review, decisions and appeals.
Disability applicants may need to pursue a disability appeal
if their benefits are denied at the application level, which
happens for two-thirds of applicants nationwide. In comparison, 55
percent of Allsup applicants are awarded at the initial
application. By the time claimants reach the hearing level, or the
second disability appeal, about 90 percent of people applying have
a representative such as Allsup helping them with their case.
For more information about choosing a representative, visit
Choosing Disability Representation on Allsup.com. If you're not
certain you are eligible for SSDI based on your disability, work
history or have additional questions, contact the Allsup Disability
Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276.