Disability And The Importance Of Applying For Ssdi Benefits Early To Receive Medicare Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of qualifying for SSDI is that you will become eligible
for Medicare benefits after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months. For that reason, it's especially important to apply for SSDI as soon as possible.
Many people wait too long to apply for SSDI benefits. You should apply immediately if you are unable to work for 12 months or longer because of an injury, illness or chronic condition. Those with terminal illnesses also can apply for SSDI. A common misconception is that you have to wait a full year before applying for benefits. This isn't true. If your doctor confirms that your disability is severe and long term, you should apply for SSDI immediately.
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and funded by a portion of the FICA payroll tax. SSDI provides people under age 65 who are unable to work because of a debilitating injury or illness with monthly income until their condition improves or on a continual basis if it is a permanent disability. Once they reach full retirement age (65-67), they move to Social Security retirement income.
There are three eligibility requirements. First, you must have worked and paid into the program (through your payroll taxes) for at least five of the last 10 years. You must have been disabled before reaching full retirement age, and you must meet the SSA's definition of disability. The SSA has a lengthy review process to determine if applicants are eligible for benefits. Among the considerations is income, severity of the disability and past work history.
For example, the disability must limit your ability to perform basic work activities needed for most jobs. These can include, but are not limited to, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, seeing, hearing and speaking, as well as understanding and implementing simple instructions and responding appropriately to supervision and co-workers.
SSDI Benefits
If you qualify for SSDI, you'll be able to receive several things. They include a regular monthly income, a possible extension on any COBRA benefits, protected retirement benefits, dependent benefits and return-to-work incentives. You'll also qualify for Medicare benefits after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months.
Medicare Benefits
Medicare has many parts. Part A is hospital insurance and Part B is medical insurance covering things such as doctor's visits. Part C is Medicare Advantage, which combines Parts A and B and is offered by private companies, and Part D covers most prescription drugs.
Medicare covers a significant portion of your healthcare expenses. But you cannot receive these benefits until after you receive SSDI benefits for 24 months.
Apply Immediately
There are number of reasons not to delay in applying for SSDI benefits. There is a large backlog in processing applications for SSDI, and some people have to wait two to four years for a decision to be made on their applications. The aging U.S. population, a growing incidence of disabilities and a poor economy are factors in the increase. The SSA also is seeing more of its experienced employees retire.
Nationally, the average wait time at the hearing level for a disability case to be evaluated is 491 days. However, it can take much longer, depending on the backlog in your state, or the complexity of your disability. SSDI representation is available to help guide applicants through the application process. With professional guidance, wait times can be shorter and the chances of receiving SSDI are higher.
If it appears that your disability will prevent you from working for 12 months or longer, apply for SSDI immediately. Consider working with an experienced SSDI representative with a proven record who can improve your chances of receiving SSDI, and eventually Medicare coverage.
by: Jim Allsup
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Disability And The Importance Of Applying For Ssdi Benefits Early To Receive Medicare Benefits