Will You Possibly Get Less Than Total Disability From Social Security?Social Security Disability is not a partial or percentage disability program. The definition of Social Security Disability holds that a disability is a physical or mental condition that has prevented a person from performing substantial gainful activity (work) for at least twelve month, or is expected to prevent SGA for twelve months. SGA, or substantial gainful activity can be defined as a monthly earnings amount that Social Security considers self-supporting. To qualify for disability a person must not be able to perform any of their past work (work they have performed in the past fifteen years that was at the SGA-level and which lasted three months or more) or any other work due to the limitations caused by their disability. Unlike partial disability programs such as Veteran's Administration disability, Social Security Disability does not award partial disability benefits based on a percentage of disability. Social Security is not like short term disability or long term disability benefits provided by employers, in that, to be awarded disability benefits through Social Security or SSI, an individual must not only be unable to perform their usual line of work, but other kinds of work as well. For this reason, an individual will never receive less than total disability from Social Security. It was my experience as a disability examiner that many individuals who were eligible for veteran's benefits or long term employer disability benefits sometimes had a hard time being approved for Social Security Disability, simply because the criteria for Social Security Disability determinations are much stricter than criteria used to make long term disability or veteran's disability determinations. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How does a disability lawyer or representative get paid in North Carolina? Total Disability - Will social security try to determine if a person is totally disabled? Will You Possibly Get Less Than Total Disability From Social Security? To get Social Security Disability or SSI do you have to have Total Disability? Does Social Security offer Partial Disability Benefits? How severe must your condition be to be awarded Social Security Disability or SSI? Social Security Disability - Permanent Disability To get a Social Security Disability or SSI Award do you have to have a Permanent Disability? Will my SSI or SSDI claim be denied if my spouse makes too much? Eligibility and Qualifications for Disability in Illinois Disability denial in Illinois, when to get a lawyer |
