Published on: September 29, 2014
We’ve all heard about Social Security Disability; it’s perpetually in the news. However, until one of us is actually faced with the unfortunate prospect of having to seek SSD benefits, it’s a great probability that we really don’t understand the program or its actual purpose. According to the Social Security Administration, studies reveal that an average 20-year-old worker has a 3 in 10 chance that he or she will become disabled before their retirement. The fact that each of us has a 30% chance of becoming disabled at some point before we retire tends to nibble away at our illusions of safety. It’s prudent to at least familiarize ourselves with what terms like ‘disability’ actually mean.
Broadly defined, disability means the following:
- A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
- A disadvantage or handicap, esp. one imposed or recognized by the law.
For our purposes, the Social Security Administration focuses more on the second definition because it mentions the law. The two common programs that fall under the umbrella of disability are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
These are the questions you need to ask to determine if you’re legally disabled:
- Are you working?
- Is your condition "severe?"
- Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
- Can you do work you did previously?
- Can you do any other type of work?
Let Disability Experts of Florida help you determine if you meet the disability requirements set forth by the SSA.
Getting Your SSDI And SSI Benefits In Tampa
In an earlier blog, we discussed some of the medical evidence requirements that the SSA uses to determine whether you qualify for SSDI (sometimes referred to simply as SSD). Those requirements are the cornerstone of what defines disability under the SSA’s guidelines. On their face, they can seem quite simple; however, if you’ve ever dealt with the government, you probably understand that things aren’t usually as simple as they seem. That’s why we at Disability Experts of Florida are here to help guide you over the hurdles. With our expert assistance, we can help smooth your filing process and ease some of the stress that is associated with filing for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security Disability Insurance In Tampa – What Is Disability?
Most of us buy insurance to protect us during life’s contingencies -- fires, car crashes, even death. What you may not know is that you have paid for disability insurance, too. Think of it as insurance, a safety net, in the case that you become unable to work.
Out of almost everyone’s paycheck money is deducted for “FICA,” an acronym for Social Security. Part of that money, around 3 cents in every FICA tax dollar, goes for Social Security Disability Insurance. Notice that last word -- insurance. It is something you paid for; insurance for when you can’t work easily or at all anymore because of medical problems. SSDI is paid to people who have worked long enough and/or recently enough to garner their benefits. The SSA determines whether or not you meet their disability requirements based on their criteria.
Disability Experts of Florida understands these criteria because we work directly with the SSA on a daily basis, seeking the rightfully earned benefits of our clients. It is to your distinct advantage to seek an authoritative advocate to help you get your SSI or SSD as quickly as possible.
Check back often with this blog as our experts are constantly updating it with useful, relevant information. If you feel you are disabled, please call Disability Experts of Florida today for a free case consultation. Your health and your life are too important to leave in the hands of anyone but the foremost authorities in Dade City, Port Richey, Tampa, Brandon and other nearby cities and towns.
