What are the requirements to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD)?

None of us imagine a day when we will be too injured or disabled to work, but millions of Americans find themselves in this precise position each year. The Social Security Administration states that one in four young adults will become disabled before reaching retirement age. Without a steady income, you and your family may suffer. Fortunately, several programs exist that could provide you with supplemental income while you remain unable to work. Our NYC long term disability insurance claims attorney discusses your options when it comes to supplemental income.

Long Term Disability Insurance

Many employees receive employer provided long term disability coverage. Alternatively, if your employer does not offer this plan, you can purchase it from a private insurer. Long term disability benefits will replace your income should you experience a severe medical condition. If you qualify per your plan provider, you will receive a percentage of your salary that you were making at the time of your disability.

Generally, long term disability coverage is easier to qualify for than Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Long term disability insurance may only last for a few years, depending on your condition. Many policies will additionally require that you apply for SSD as a condition for receiving benefits. Should you qualify, your long term disability benefits will be reduced by the amount of your SSD benefits.

Social Security Disability Benefits

SSD benefits are provided to former U.S. workers who are disabled. To qualify, you must have worked for at least five out of the last ten years, be below retirement age, and have suffered a severe injury or physical/mental illness. Severe conditions are those that will last at least one year.

Receiving SSD benefits can be challenging and time consuming. SSD applicants are often initially denied and must appeal the denial. Benefits will vary depending on the total amount you paid in FICA taxes during your work career.

Workers’ Compensation

If your injury was sustained on the job, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits provide temporary income while you recover from an injury. At times, you may be able to receive both workers’ comp and SSD, but the amount of benefits you receive will be capped.