SSD & SSI Myths
All too often, people hold off from applying for the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits they need because they believe the SSD and SSI myths below. Don’t be one of them. Contact us at Binder & Binder® by calling 1-800-66-BINDER to get the right information about your disability benefits.
MYTH – You are not allowed to work if you are applying for disability.
Many people think that you’re not allowed to work at all while applying for Social Security Disability benefits. This isn’t necessarily true. You may be able to file for disability benefits if you are still working, but only if your monthly gross earned income is below a certain dollar amount. You can earn up to a maximum amount and still be eligible for SSD.
Have questions about Social Security Disability? Of course you do. We all do!
If you have stopped working, you should not hesitate to file for disability. The longer you wait, the more you may have to deplete your savings while you go through the Social Security Disability process.
MYTH – The Social Security Administration denies everyone the first time they apply for disability benefits.
While the Social Security Administration denies many (if not most) of the claims submitted, it is still possible to win your case the first time you apply. The best way to achieve success the first time is to know what you’re doing or to work with an advocate who does. At Binder & Binder®, we handle tens of thousands of disability claims each year. With experience and an in-depth understanding on what makes a successful disability claim, you can trust in this: We’ll deal with the government. You have enough to worry about.
MYTH – Certain diseases automatically qualify you for disability benefits. Actually there is only one disease that automatically makes you disabled just by the diagnosis. Every other disability requires much more than a diagnosis.
If this myth was true, people with almost any serious condition wouldn’t have to worry about dealing with governmental bureaucracy. Sadly, it’s a myth. Regardless of the diagnosis, a claimant needs to prove that his particular unique set of circumstances, verified by your healthcare provider, makes him or her unable to work considering one’s age, work history and educational level. All these factors matter but strong medical proof of disability –not a mere dire diagnosis–is what the SSA relies to approve you for Social Security Disability benefits. This information must be complete and thorough in order for you to get the benefits you depend on. Very few claimants know what is needed to win and mistakenly believe that a prescription pad note from their doctor saying they are disabled should win their case. The process is much harder and the proof is much more extensive. Having represented hundreds of thousands of claimants, Binder & Binder® knows what is necessary to win your case.
MYTH – Young(er) people can’t win their disability cases.
Many people in their twenties and thirties wrongly believe that it’s impossible to win a SSD or SSI claim. This is simply not true. If you have a work history, and if you have a disability that will prevent you from working for a year or more, you may be eligible for benefits — regardless of your age. It is easier to win when you are 60 or older as the law requires the SSA to consider your age in assessing a disability but being young is no bar. Some people are unfortunate in that they are disabled at a very young age. Some are even disabled from birth.