Benefits of applying for Social Security disability
Get What You Deserve
Social Security Disability Insurance is not a handout or welfare. It is an insurance program that is paid for from mandatory payroll taxes that you paid and your employer has matched in every paycheck. It is the amount shown under “FICA” on your pay stubs. It provides income until your condition improves and guarantees income if it doesn’t.
Increased Monthly Income
Disability benefits supplement your current income (Worker’s Compensation, sick leave, etc.), and increases when Social Security cost-of-living allowances are paid.
Increased Retirement & Survivors’ Benefits
When you qualify for disability benefits you “freeze” your Social Security earnings record during your period of disability and exclude those years from future benefit computations. That often results in higher Social Security benefits when you retire.
Medicare Eligibility
After receiving disability benefits for 24 months, you become eligible for Medicare, including Part A (hospital benefits) and Part B (medical benefits) regardless of your age. This can save you thousands of dollars in medical bills and health insurance costs.
Lower Taxable Income
Benefits paid from an employer provided long-term disability plan for which the employee paid no premiums are taxable upon receipt. Social Security disability benefits reduce the amount of long-term disability paid to you but only half of your disability benefits are taxable. That lowers the amount of your taxable income and reduces your income tax bill while providing you with more spending money.
Return to Work Assistance
Social Security provides a nine-month trial-work period that allows a claimant to work and still receive full Social Security benefits. Also, Medicare benefits continue even after a person returns to work.
