At minimum, applicants for disability benefits must demonstrate that they are unable to perform the work they performed in the last 15 years that was performed at the "substantial gainful activity" level. But what if someone has not performed any work at the substantial gainful activity level (currently $1180 per month for non-blind individuals) within the last 15 years? Can such an individual still receive disability benefits?
What if I have never worked?
Paid Parental Leave
On August 2, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) proposed the "Economic Security for New Parents Act," a bill which would amend Title II of the Social Security Act to provide paid parental leave benefits to parents following the birth or adoption of a child. The attempt to address relief for new parents is long overdue, as the United States is one of the only countries (alongside Swaziland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea) which does not provide paid parental leave. At present, those unable to work due to pregnancy or childbirth may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, but many find these safeguards insufficient.
It's Easier to Get Disability Benefits After Age 50
If a disability claimant is under the age of 50, he or she must prove that due to disability, there are no available jobs they could do in the national economy.
2018 Changes to Social Security Disability
A new year means changes to how the Social Security Administration calculates benefits and eligibility for its disability programs.
Payments
Applicants for disability benefits typically file claims under both Title II (Social Security Disability) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. After a favorable decision has been rendered, the decision is sent to a payment processing center to calculate payment amounts. Processing times vary, and could run anywhere from 30 to 90 days from the date of the decision.
Medicare and Disability Benefits
Obtaining disability benefits is only half the battle for many clients.
Calculating Disability Back Pay
Whether you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), benefits are paid out monthly, and you may be entitled to a substantial amount of back pay based your application date and the date you are found to be disabled.
2017 Changes to SSDI and SSI
The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes several changes to the law when it comes to qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Approved Medical Sources
In establishing the existence of a medical impairment, Social Security Administration relies on objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source (AMS). The current rules recognize licensed physicians, psychologists, optometrists, podiatrists, and speech language pathologists as AMSs. Specifically excluded from the AMS list are nurse practitioners, physician assistants, licensed clinical social workers, naturopaths, chiropractors, audiologists, and therapists, though their opinions may be used to evaluate the severity of an impairment. Such exclusions, however lump these medical sources alongside other non-medical sources such as family, neighbors, and employers.
Does Home Ownership Affect a Disability Application?
One common question that people considering applying for disability ask is whether owning a home will prevent them from receiving disability benefits.
