Hi, everyone. There will always be "horror stories," concerning those who have been denied Social Security disability benefits, however, I don't think it is useful to dwell on those possibilities.. This is why it is important to have your claim evaluated by an attorney who is experienced in representing claimants Best to get the facts regarding your own situation and make an informed and advised decision based upon the best information that you can obtain. That being said, it would seem useful to consider best and worst-case scenarios in terms of filing for disability insurance benefits.
Also consider what your benefits would be if you were approved an how that fits into your financial picture. Also, it may be prudent to consider the cost of private health insurance vs. Medicare or Medicaid if one were approved for benefits. Additionally, some employees may have access to short-term and long-term disability benefits and that should be explored, too. In appropriate circumstances, one may consider whether or not one can be accommodated at work and/or work less hours. Knowing your rights and obligations based upon a conversation with an employment law attorney may go a long way in this regard.
Remember, Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits do not replace one's income. The average monthly Disability Insurance benefit in December 2012 was just $1,130 ($13,564 on an annual basis). Only 7 percent of Disability Insurance beneficiaries collected more than $2,000 a month. Benefits replaced about 55 to 60 percent of average lifelong earnings for a median worker, and about 50 to 55 percent of final earnings prior to the disability. People who receive Disability Insurance benefits undergo a sharp drop in their standards of living.
More information: Most beneficiaries depend on their DI benefits for their subsistence. Surveys show that DI benefits make up more than 90% of income for nearly half of non-institutionalized recipients and more than 75% of income for the vast majority of recipients. Almost one-fourth of DI beneficiaries fall below the poverty line and the majority live below 200 percent of the poverty line. About 13% of disabled worker beneficiaries also collect SSI, which indicates that they are very poor. SSI lifts them to just over three-fourths of the poverty line. So for anyone who thinks that getting on Disability Insurance Benefits a "free ride," think again.
It can be a difficult choice whether or not to pursue disability benefits. I hope that my comments here have provided some useful information.
Rich Feingold
Social Security Disability Attorney
Also consider what your benefits would be if you were approved an how that fits into your financial picture. Also, it may be prudent to consider the cost of private health insurance vs. Medicare or Medicaid if one were approved for benefits. Additionally, some employees may have access to short-term and long-term disability benefits and that should be explored, too. In appropriate circumstances, one may consider whether or not one can be accommodated at work and/or work less hours. Knowing your rights and obligations based upon a conversation with an employment law attorney may go a long way in this regard.
Remember, Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits do not replace one's income. The average monthly Disability Insurance benefit in December 2012 was just $1,130 ($13,564 on an annual basis). Only 7 percent of Disability Insurance beneficiaries collected more than $2,000 a month. Benefits replaced about 55 to 60 percent of average lifelong earnings for a median worker, and about 50 to 55 percent of final earnings prior to the disability. People who receive Disability Insurance benefits undergo a sharp drop in their standards of living.
More information: Most beneficiaries depend on their DI benefits for their subsistence. Surveys show that DI benefits make up more than 90% of income for nearly half of non-institutionalized recipients and more than 75% of income for the vast majority of recipients. Almost one-fourth of DI beneficiaries fall below the poverty line and the majority live below 200 percent of the poverty line. About 13% of disabled worker beneficiaries also collect SSI, which indicates that they are very poor. SSI lifts them to just over three-fourths of the poverty line. So for anyone who thinks that getting on Disability Insurance Benefits a "free ride," think again.
It can be a difficult choice whether or not to pursue disability benefits. I hope that my comments here have provided some useful information.
Rich Feingold
Social Security Disability Attorney