Social Security Spotlight: All About Social Security Disability Programs
SSA administers two programs that pay disability benefits. Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income Disability (SSI).
SSD is based on your earnings from jobs or self-employment. SSI is a needs based program with income and resource limits. Both programs use the same disability definition: You must have a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death. Disability decisions are made by an agency of the State where you live. In Ohio this Agency is the Disability Determinations Services office in Columbus. In Kentucky this Agency is in Frankfort. An adjudicator from this Agency is the person who reviews your medical records and decides if you meet the SSA definition and should be approved or denied. If denied you have appeal rights. This agency uses several factors to decide if you are disabled: age, education, and work experience. Some conditions are automatic approvals like ALS and some advanced cancers or other terminal conditions. Other conditions (muscular/skeletal), heart conditions, stroke, require more time and information.
There is a five-month waiting period after your disability onset month before SSD benefits are paid. The benefit amount is based on your work record. There is no waiting period for SSI.
The maximum SSI benefit for 2020 is $783/month and depends on other income available to you. SSI is not payable if you have over $2000 in liquid resources (individual) or $3000 (couple). Many children with physical or mental impairments can receive SSI.
Both programs have complicated rules and limits if you return to work.
For more information please contact me. About 20 percent of my consulting business involves disability clients.
About Dennis Heywood | ss-help.com
Denny’s career with Social Security provides an in-depth, working knowledge of the Social Security Administration’s internal organization and processes. An expert in all phases of SSA programs: retirement, survivor, disability, and Medicare, Denny has expertise with the complex Social Security regulations based on more than 40 years of experience.
