Five Things to Consider When Applying For Disability Benefits When You’re Too Sick to Go Back to Work
Being too sick to go to work can be scary. You and your family rely on your job to pay the bills. If you are no longer able to go, you will likely experience many sleepless nights, wondering how you’re going to stay afloat.
Fortunately, there’s help out there for those who are struggling to go to work, but figuring out what you can apply for and how to apply for it can be a nightmare. Before you do anything else, there are a few things you should consider.
You May Want to Get an Attorney
No matter what the cause of your disability, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney. Many attorneys offer free consultations where you can talk about your situation and discover whether or not they think you are entitled to benefits.
If they decide to take on your case, they can help you through the process, educating you along the way. For example, they can help you understand the difference between using paper reviewers and independent medical examiners when filing a disability claim with your insurance, and they can increase your odds of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance.
They Look at More Than the Money You Make
One of the main reasons to apply for disability benefits is to replace the income that is lost due to your disability. Your personal insurance is required to cover your condition, as long as it’s approved, regardless of how much you’re worth. That’s not the case if you are filing for Social Security Disability Insurance.
The government may look at other resources you have at your disposal. They may also look at things like:
- Bank accounts, stocks, and bonds
- Land
- Life insurance
- Personal property
- Vehicles
The limit for countable resources is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, with how many children you have impacting your allowable limit. Not everything is considered a resource. For example, other land you own may be considered, but not the land that your home is on. Your personal vehicle is not counted, and neither are person effects, like your wedding ring.
It Could Take a Long Time
If you’re struggling with a potential disability and you haven’t been able to work, you probably need money right away. Unfortunately, getting it fast isn’t likely to happen. The average processing time for a Social Security Disability Insurance application was a little over five months. That can be a long time to wait if you need the money to pay your bills now!
The good news is that you may be entitled to retroactive benefits, depending on when you were deemed disabled. Getting that extra money can help you pay overdue bills or refill your rainy day fund if you used it to pay bills while you waited for your first payment.
Social Security Disability Benefits May Not Be Your Only Option
Social Security Disability Insurance is often the first stop for those who are disabled when searching for benefits, but it shouldn’t be your only stop. There are other options available to you as well. For example, it might be better for you to apply for short-term disability insurance. If you served in the military, you may be entitled to VA Disability Compensation Benefits. There are also health insurance and health resources that may be available to you.
Were you injured on the job? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation. You may also have a personal insurance policy that will kick in if you have a disability that is confirmed by a doctor.
You Can Apply For Disability Benefits Multiple Times
If you really do need Social Security Disability Insurance to help you pay the bills, you should know that there are no limits on the number of times you can apply or appeal a denial. Only about 45 percent of people who apply are ultimately accepted, but because they are so picky with who they accept, it’s often the case that someone is denied at least once before they are ultimately approved. If you’re having trouble getting approved, you may want to consider hiring an attorney who can help you make your case.
Whether you’re trying to get coverage from a personal insurance policy or you’re looking for Social Security Disability Insurance, there’s a lot to know! Take your time to think through the five things on this list before applying and you’ll end up wasting a lot less time.
