You may be able to receive monthly disability benefits if you are unable to work due to an impairment. People with medical conditions or mental impairments that limit their ability to work have access to disability programs offered by the federal government and private insurers.
As with federal disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and private disability insurance policies, there are specific eligibility requirements. Collecting Social Security and long-term disability benefits may be possible if you have this policy and otherwise qualify for disability benefits. However, the amount of your monthly Social Security disability benefit may reduce the number of long-term disability benefits you receive.
Applying for multiple types of disability benefits can be confusing, especially if you are experiencing health problems. Get a free claim review from a skilled disability attorney to determine if you qualify for benefits.
Can You Collect Both SSDI and Long-Term Disability?
SSDI and LTD benefits can generally be collected together. People who receive benefits from long-term disability insurance companies are also often required to apply for SSDI. In contrast, SSDI recipients are not required to apply for LTD benefits if they are receiving SSDI.
A clause in most LTD policies mandates that beneficiaries apply for Social Security disability benefits within a certain period. Disability insurance carriers may require their policyholders to apply for SSDI within a year of receiving benefits.
The SSA and the insurance company are unlikely to pay you the full benefits if you apply for SSDI. Your insurer will deduct the amount of SSDI benefits from your LTD payments. After qualifying for Social Security disability, your SSDI and LTD benefits will equal your LTD benefits before qualifying for SSDI.
The process or amount of your SSDI benefit will not be affected if you receive LTD benefits. The amount of SSDI you receive may be reduced if you receive workers' compensation or other public benefits. The benefits provided by disability insurance policies, such as LTD policies, will not affect your Social Security benefits.
Understanding SSDI and Long-Term Disability Benefits
As part of the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI can be obtained by individuals with disabilities. Disabled individuals can apply for it if they have been unable to work for 12 months or longer. SSDI applicants must also meet the SSA's definition of disability and earn "work credits" along the way.
To receive SSDI, you must earn a minimum income before becoming disabled. The severity of your disability is not taken into account. You may be eligible for a lump sum payment from the Social Security Administration if you receive disability benefits back when you became disabled.
Private insurance companies, on the other hand, pay benefits for long-term disabilities. In addition to LTD insurance offered by their employers, individuals can also purchase their policy. After waiting six months, a disabled person who cannot work can file an LTD disability claim.
A percentage of your monthly salary is used to calculate LTD benefits. You will typically receive 50 to 60% of your salary as benefits. Depending on your disability, you may be entitled to these benefits until you reach retirement age or until the end of your disability period.
Americans are protected by disability benefits provided by Social Security and LTD benefits provided by the government. Each provides a monthly benefit for anyone who cannot work due to a physical or mental health condition. A skilled attorney can assist you if you need a disability benefits lawyer to help you determine if you are entitled to one or both types of benefits. Each program has its own rules and requirements to qualify.
Can You Collect SSDI and Short-Term Disability?
Yes, of course. Collecting SSDI and short-term disability benefits is possible if you have a short-term disability plan. It is likely that before you are approved for SSDI benefits, you will have already received the full amount of short-term disability benefits.
You can apply for SSDI before you have been out of work for 12 months, even though SSDI is limited to people whose disabilities are expected to last 12 months or longer. By doing so, you can receive both SSDI and short-term disability benefits simultaneously.
How Long Can You Stay on Long-Term Disability?
Depending on your LTD plan, the length of your long-term disability payments will vary. Most LTD policies pay out after a set amount of time, such as two years, five years, or ten years. Some companies offer disability payments until retirement age.
As long as you are unable to work because of your disability, you will receive SSDI benefits. Get in touch with a disability benefits lawyer if you have questions about SSDI or LTD benefits.
Can I Collect Long-Term Disability and SSI?
People with disabilities with low incomes and assets may qualify for Supplemental Security Income or SSI. To qualify for SSI, it is necessary to meet the income limitations set by the Social Security Administration.
You can receive both LTD benefits and SSI benefits. However, LTD benefits count as income for SSI purposes. In such a case, you may not be eligible for SSI - or your SSI may be lowered - if you receive LTD benefits. Find out more about applying for SSDI, SSI, and LTD benefits by contacting a disability benefits lawyer.
How A Disability Benefits Lawyer Can Help
There is a possibility that some of us may not be able to work because of a disability. The next step may be unclear if you find yourself in this situation. People with disabilities can turn to disability lawyers for advocacy and compensation that will enable them to move forward with their lives. Prospective clients can receive free disability claim reviews by booking an appointment.
Applying for Social Security's cash benefits can be an overwhelming process. If you are interested in seeking SSDI benefits, check out our article on how to find the right disability lawyer for you. To learn more, please visit DisabilityHelp.org today!
