Did you know that in 2019, approximately 69 million Americans received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration? People file for benefits due to a severe illness or injury that leaves them unable to work.
If you’ve been seriously ill, it’s essential not to wait to file for disability payments. If you’re unsure whether to file, it’s best to get as much information as possible.
Keep reading this guide to learn four important reasons you should apply for disability payments when you have a chronic health condition.
1. You’ll Have Income to Support Yourself and Your Family
You’ll need income to sustain your household if you can’t work due to a chronic health condition.
Sometimes, a health condition may only require a few years of treatment before you can return to work. On the other hand, you could have a severe condition that causes you to become disabled permanently.
If you get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ll typically receive between $700 and $1,400 each month, but this varies depending on if you’re getting disability payments from somewhere else, like your job.
When you receive other payments, your SSDI disability payments can be reduced.
2. Provides Health Insurance for Ongoing Medical Needs
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will support you long-term as long as you have enough work history through yourself or a family member like your spouse. You can get SSDI no matter what age you are.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to older adults with disabilities with limited resources and income. SSI is not tied to your work history, but the value of your bank accounts and property must stay within specific guidelines.
In many cases, you’ll be able to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, depending on your age. This health insurance coverage is crucial for your ongoing medical care.
3. You Have a Condition That Meets the Social Security Disability Definition
When you have a severe condition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at different factors, such as being off work and having limited mobility.
Although no conditions automatically qualify you for disability benefits, the SSA will consider conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Blood disorders that affect how blood forms
- Musculoskeletal disorders like bone and joint injuries
- Immune system disorders like lupus or HIV
- Heart disorders like chronic heart failure
- Respiratory disorders like emphysema
- Mental health conditions like depression
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
Other conditions like acute leukemia, ALS, and pancreatic cancer will qualify you for benefits quickly.
4. You’ll Get Support for Returning to Work
Another advantage of disability benefits is getting support and protection when you return to work.
If you have SSDI benefits, you’ll be eligible for a trial work period of nine months, which lasts five years. During this time, you’ll be able to work and earn as much as possible while still receiving benefits.
There is even an extended period of 36 months after this period where you can work and still receive benefits. This is a great way to return to work slowly if it’s possible for you.
You can check out this link for more information about filing for disability.
Applying for Disability Payments
Now that you know the reasons to apply for disability payments, you can feel more confident about taking the next steps to get the coverage you need.
If you have a serious health condition, contact an SSDI representative as soon as possible to get expert help filing your claim.
To learn more health and lifestyle tips, be sure to read the rest of our blog today!
