It's Never A Good Idea To Wait When Applying For SSDI Benefits

Posted on: 15 September 2021

If you are disabled and intend to apply for SSDI benefits, you may think that you need to wait an entire year before you can apply for certain benefits. However, this is a common misconception. You simply can apply for benefits only for a disability that is expected to last at least a year. You should apply for SSDI benefits as soon as possible with your Social Security disability attorney.

Do Not Delay, Even If You're Far Away from Retirement

SSDI benefits are for anyone who is disabled and unable to work as a result. You will simply need to be diagnosed by a medical professional and you will be entitled to some compensation. However, you will also want to work with a Social Security attorney because you will want to make sure that the medical evidence from your doctor is presented in the best possible light.

However, the older you are, the more likely that you will qualify for SSDI benefits. This is because you will be less likely to be able to return to work. However, the best way to maximize your chances of being qualified is to work closely with a social security attorney.

Apply, Even If You Also Applied for Workers' Compensation

You are allowed to apply for both workers' compensation and SSDI benefits. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system in which you receive compensation for your injuries if you are injured at work. SSDI benefits, on the other hand, can be available when you suffer an injury that will prevent you from returning to work.

The total amount of benefits you receive will be capped if you participate in both programs. You will not be able to receive more than 80% of the income you received at the time of the accident. However, this will only affect your SSDI benefits and will not affect any private disability benefits or your pension. 

Why You May Need Help from a Social Security Attorney

In some cases, the SSA might reduce your benefits by too much. This often occurs when they underestimate how much money you earned and slash your benefits significantly. You will be able to appeal the double recovery when your SSDI attorney presents evidence that you should not have your benefits reduced by so much. If you will be participating in a hearing, your SSDI attorney will represent you during the hearing.

Talk to a local social security law firm, such as Attorney John B. Martin Law Offices, to learn more.

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