What exactly are Social Security disability benefits?
If you are like most people, you probably have never had to think about what you would do if you became disabled. What would you do if you suddenly could not work? How would you pay your rent or mortgage? How would you afford to see your doctor?
Social Security provides help if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Generally, Social Security disability benefits provide two things:
Monthly cash benefits – to help you pay for your expenses.
Health insurance (Medicare or Medicaid) – to help you pay for your medical expenses.
Social Security has two similar disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental …
Can you garnish Social Security disability benefits for child support
A quickie article answering a common question: can you garnish Social Security disability benefits for child support?
Title 2 Disability Insurance (aka SSDI or DIB) benefits can be garnished for child support.
However, Title 16 Supplemental Security Income (aka SSI) benefits cannot be garnished.
This is general information only and not legal advice. Contact a lawyer for advice on your specific circumstances.
Which pays more? SSDI or SSI?
I was recently asked which pays more in benefits? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
If you are wondering about the difference between SSDI and SSI, read this post.
As for which pays more, the answer is “it depends.”
SSI benefits are based on the annual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) which sets the maximum SSI benefits you can per month. For 2009, the FBR is $674 for individuals ($1,011 for couples). That mean the most an individual on SSI can receive is $674 per month. …
The advantages of getting both Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefits
I recently wrote about receiving both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Let’s look at the advantages of being on both benefits programs.
Can you get both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
I recently wrote about the difference between Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
But, can you get both: SSI and SSDI?
Depending on your circumstances, yes.
The maximum you can receive on SSI is based on the annual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). For 2012, the FBR is $698. That mean the most you can receive on SSI in $698 per month.
Disability Insurance Benefits are based on your payroll contribution to Social Security. The more you have paid into Social …
What is the difference between Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
We previously discussed Social Security’s Disability Insurance Benefit (DIB) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.
The big difference between DIB and SSI is type of income which affects eligibility.
Under the “Disability Insurance” Program, Social Security considers whether you are working and earning money (engaging in a Substantial Gainful Activity – SGA). If you earn too much money as income, you may be denied Social Security DIB benefits. Of course, there …
Are you limited to only 12 months of back Social Security benefits?
We have talked a lot about how far back can you get Social Security benefits.
I want to make sure there is no confusion: Social Security does NOT limit you to only 12 months of back benefits.
There is a limit in how far BEFORE your protected filing date (PFD) you can get benefits (12 months in a Social Security Title 2 Disability Insurance claim — SSDI or DIB).
However, this is only part of the total amount of back benefits most people are entitled to.
How far back does Social Security pay disability benefits?
If you are disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits? Back to when the disability began?
It depends on whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or DIB), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits back to the “Protected Filing Date (PFD),” the date you contacted Social Security and asked to apply for benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance, on the other hand, pays benefits up to 12 months before the Protected Filing Date. However, you should also keep …
What is the “5 month waiting period” in Disability Insurance cases?
If you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI or DIB), you may be surprised that Social Security keeps the first 5 months of back benefits.
This is referred to as the “5 month waiting period.”
If you awarded benefits back to January 1st, Social Security actually keeps the benefits for January, February, March… all the way through May. Your disability insurance benefits will start in June.
What?!?! But, it is my money!
I know! But, that is how the system works!
However, there is an exception to the 5 month waiting period.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)?
Social Security has two different benefit programs for individuals who are disabled.
Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB, also known as SSDI, or Title 2 benefits); and
Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title 16 benefits).
Because of its name, it is a common misconception that must apply for “Disability Insurance” if you are disabled. Actually, both programs provide disability benefits.
What is Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)?
Generally, Disability Insurance Benefits are based on your payroll contribution to Social Security. To qualify for DIB, you have to have earned enough Social Security credits, in the right time frame, by paying into Social Security through payroll taxes.
There are several circumstances in which you may not have enough credits for Social Security Disability Insurance:
What is the “date last insured” in Social Security disability cases?
Social Security a bit like car insurance: you pay your premiums to obtain insurance covered.
When it comes to Social Security, your premiums are your payroll taxes and the coverage is disability insurance.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you have to have paid enough into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Once you have worked long enough, you become insured for Disability Insurance benefits should you become unable to work.
What happens when you stop paying your premiums?
Quick facts: how much does Social Security spend on disability?
According to Social Security, 6.9 million disabled workers received disability benefits from Social Security in 2007. Another 1.8 million individuals received benefits as dependents of disabled workers.
This is compared to 31 million receiving retirement benefits.
The average monthly disability benefits was $979. Although it should be noted, for those receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits, the maximum amount a SSI recipient could receive in 2007 was $637.
Total payout to disabled workers and dependents in 2007 was 7.2 billion dollars. However, this is only 17% of total benefits paid by Social Security.
Just some quick facts.
