In the U.S., 61 million people live with a disability. Do you suffer from a health condition that makes it difficult for you to live a functional life? You are not alone as millions of Americans suffer from disabilities and cannot work and live how they want.
If this is you, you may be eligible for disability benefits, and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is a good place to start. There are also VA disability benefits for veterans. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Eligibility Is Mostly Work-Based
Most of your application decision is based on your ability to work and your current income. You must earn below a certain level each month to show you have a need. There is no income limit from other sources outside of work.
Then, Social Security will determine if you are capable of working at all. Social Security Administration will look at the physical and mental requirements of your previous jobs as they look at your work history. If your disability makes it hard for you to work these past jobs, you will most likely qualify for disability benefits.
In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have worked recently and contributed a certain amount of taxes to Social Security. These contributions act as credits and you can receive four per year. Depending on your agent, you need a certain number of credits.
To learn more and for help applying for disability, check out Benefitsclaim.com.
2. You May Also Be Eligible for Disabled Military Veterans Benefits
The VA pays for and administers disabled veteran benefits. Because of this, you need to qualify under the VA’s requirements to get their benefits. You may qualify for VA benefits but may not qualify for Social Security.
The Social Security programs categorize someone as either not disabled or disabled. The VA has other categories including disabled, partially disabled, and not disabled. The qualifications for VA disability are looser than the SSA criteria and have a lower threshold for qualification.
If you receive VA disability benefits, this does not affect your Social Security eligibility. The SSDI benefits are for those that worked previously but are not able to currently because of a disability. It is not income-based, so your VA benefits do not affect eligibility. There are, in fact, top-rated SSDI lawyers for veterans, and to get the best of both benefits, they’re just who you need.
3. Spouses Do Not Affect Eligibility
When you apply for disability, your work history and income are considered, and not your spouse’s work history and income. If your spouse is currently working, it does not affect your eligibility.
When you apply, interest, investments, and your spouse’s income are not considered when you apply for SSDI—only your work income.
Learning More About Disability Benefits
If you can no longer work due to a disability or medical condition, you may be eligible for disability benefits whether through Social Security or the VA. If you feel you qualify, you may want to talk to a disability attorney or an advocate to help you with all the applications and paperwork.
Want to learn more? Keep exploring our site today for more information on benefits, health, and more to help you live your life.
