If you’ve ever suffered a serious illness or injury and couldn’t work for an extended period of time, you probably know how expensive that can be. In fact, medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with health care costs being the primary reason for such a large percentage of Americans losing everything they own. As an SSDI attorney, I see this happen every day. In addition to covering your essential living expenses while you recover from your illness or injury, filing for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits is also a way to ensure that your future is financially secure. However, navigating the SSDI application process isn’t easy for everyone. There are many nuances and requirements specific to SSDI eligibility that aren’t always straightforward. This blog post will discuss how an SSDI attorney can help you with your claim, as well as provide some insight into what you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about applying for SSDI benefits at any point in the future.
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What is SSDI?
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. SSDI is a government-run program that provides monthly cash benefits to individuals who cannot work due to a medical condition. In order to receive SSDI, you must qualify under the program’s criteria. There are two ways to qualify: you can be currently receiving SSDI benefits and have your condition get worse to the point where you are no longer able to earn a living, or be newly disabled. If you qualify for SSDI, you will receive monthly payments as long as you continue to meet the program’s guidelines. The amount of your monthly SSDI benefits will depend on a number of factors, including your age and the amount of money you earned in the last 10 years before your illness or injury.
The Benefits of Receiving SSDI
If you qualify for SSDI, the benefits you’ll receive will be enough to cover your essential living expenses and allow you to focus on recovering from your illness or injury. Additionally, a SSDI attorney can help you file for SSDI benefits to ensure that your future is financially secure. There are a few main benefits of receiving SSDI. First, the monthly SSDI payments you receive will be enough to cover your essential living expenses while you’re recovering from your illness or injury. This can help you stay financially afloat while you focus on getting better and regaining your health. Second, qualifying for SSDI will enable you to receive Medicare coverage. While Medicare is primarily used to cover medical bills, the program can also help you pay for out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles. Third, if you’re approved for SSDI, you can expect to receive these monthly benefits for as long as you remain disabled. This means that you won’t have to worry about losing your coverage if your compliance with the program changes at some point in the future.
When Can You Apply for SSDI and How?
You can apply for SSDI benefits with an SSDI attorney at any point in time if you qualify. You don’t have to wait until you’ve received your last work paycheck. However, the timing of your application matters and can significantly affect your chances of being approved for benefits. If you wait too long to apply, your application may be denied. The best time to apply for SSDI is as soon as you become disabled. That being said, you can’t just apply online and hope for the best. You’ll need to apply through a Social Security Administration (SSA) representative, such as an SSDI attorney. If you’re approved for SSDI benefits, you can expect your first check to arrive 6 to 8 weeks after your application is approved by the SSA.
3 Things You’ll Need from an SSDI Attorney
If you’re thinking about applying for SSDI benefits, you’ll want to work with an SSDI attorney. There are three main reasons for this.
First, an SSDI attorney will make sure that your application is as thorough and detailed as possible. That way, there won’t be any missing information that would otherwise cause your application to be denied.
Second, an SSDI attorney will make sure that you’re applying at the right time so that your application isn’t rejected due to an overly short waiting period.
Third, an SSDI attorney will help you understand the nuances of the application process, including the various terminology and requirements specific to SSDI eligibility and the SSA’s decision-making process. This can make the application process significantly easier for you.
Pros of Filing for SSDI Benefits
There are several reasons why you should apply for SSDI benefits with an SSDI attorney, even if you think that you might not qualify for them. First, as mentioned above, you can apply for SSDI benefits at any point in time, even if you think that you don’t qualify. You may be surprised by the outcome of your application. Additionally, even if you don’t qualify at the moment, your condition could worsen in the future to the point where you do qualify. Next, applying for SSDI is the only way to be eligible for Medicare. If you don’t qualify for SSDI, you won’t be able to sign up for Medicare. This can leave you unable to afford the high cost of medical care.
Is There an Age Limitation on Receiving SSDI?
There are no age limitations when it comes to applying for SSDI benefits. However, you may not receive the amount of benefits for which you’re eligible. As you get older, your monthly SSDI benefits will increase to reflect your greater life expectancy. Once you turn 66 years old, your SSDI benefits will be converted to SSDI payments.
When You’re Eligible to Receive SSDI
There are two ways to qualify for SSDI benefits. You can qualify if your illness or injury causes you to become disabled and unable to work. Alternatively, you can qualify for SSDI if you have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year. If you’re able to show proof of a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year, you’ll be evaluated based on your current state of health. You’ll be expected to show consistent signs of the condition throughout the application process. If you’re able to prove a disability, you’ll be evaluated based on your condition as it was when you were still working. This means that your condition will have to have been preventing you from working during the application process.
Need an SSDI Attorney? Marlowe Law Can Help
If you have any further questions for an SSDI attorney, please reach out to us today. We look forward to doing everything we can to help you get the compensation and service you deserve.