Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Benefits
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by: albert.tobega
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Which social security benefits are you eligible for? Picking through the convoluted regulations can be deeply frustrating, and when you are done, you may have no better idea than before whether you qualify for benefits. These frequently asked questions will clarify which disability benefits you are eligible for, and how far your benefits will stretch.
Does SSA offer partial disability benefits?
No, you cannot qualify for disability benefits through Social Security if your disability is partial or short term. Only people whose disability is considered complete and is expected to last more than one year are eligible for social security benefits. (Note that if you qualify for disability benefits, you may hold down a job as long as your maximum possible income is beneath a level determined by SSA.)
I am able to work, but not at the level I used to, nor can I earn the same money I used to. Am I still eligible for social security benefits?
Yes, you can file for disability benefits if you are making less than a certain amount per month, averaged over a full year. The amount changes annually, so check the official Social Security web site or booklets to find out what the current limit is.
However, your current income is not the only number the state agency will consider when evaluating your case. If you are capable of earning a higher income by changing to another job, you will not be approved for disability benefits. The state agency will consider your training, experience, age, and medical condition when deciding whether you are able to do other work, so you will not be pushed into doing work for which you are untrained or which strains your physical capacity.
According to my doctors, there are no effective treatments for my condition, so why do I have to continue to make office visits?
In the beginning, the state agency that handles your social security benefits will request that you go to doctors several times in order to get a complete evaluation of your medical condition. Your regular doctors may not be able to perform necessary tests or have equipment that is necessary to evaluate you, so you may need to visit another doctor to complete the evaluation. The state agency may help you to find the specialist you need.
After you have been ruled eligible for disability benefits, regular examinations will be necessary to track the state of your health. Because not all disabling medical conditions are permanent, your health may improve enough for you to work even without active medical care.
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