When you are dealing with a disability that keeps you from being able to work, you may wonder if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. While these benefits have a lot of positives, they also come with several negatives, and it is wise to be aware of both the pros and the cons before making any kind of decision. You might ask yourself, “What is the downside of Social Security Disability?”
The Downsides of Social Security Disability
While Social Security disability benefits can be essential for some people, for other individuals, they might actually carry certain downsides. These downsides, or disadvantages, include the following:
- Difficult application process. Due to the complicated federal regulations and complicated application process surrounding these benefits, receiving SSDI benefits can be seemingly impossible for some people. The average waiting period can last up to a year, and many applications actually get denied.
- High denial rate. We won’t sugarcoat it. Many initial claims are denied by the Social Security Administration. In order to appeal these denials, it is important that you hire an attorney and then undertake the complicated appeals process. The high denial rate can actually stress individuals to the point where their mental health is affected, in addition to their physical health.
- Limited income. One of the most common disadvantages of SSDI is the limited income it can provide. These benefits are typically calculated based on your lifetime earnings on average before your disability started. This often isn’t enough to cover rental or mortgage payments in most states, especially if you are also dealing with high medical costs as they relate to your disability.
- Eligibility requirements. In order to qualify for SSDI, you need to meet strict requirements, and doing so can prove to be a challenge. This is especially the case if your disability is not easily quantifiable or if you are suffering from a condition that does not fit neatly into the Social Security Administration’s definition of what a disability is.
- Limited work opportunities. Another disadvantage of being on disability is the way it could potentially impact your ability to seek future work. While being on SSDI can allow for a certain trial work period and offer you certain work incentives, many folks can find it difficult to return to the workforce after they have grown used to an extended period of benefits. Employers might also be hesitant to hire someone suffering from a disability.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in California?
Before you determine if SSDI is right for you or not, you need to make sure you can qualify for these benefits. Not everyone who seeks disability benefits will be accepted, and often, many initial claims are denied. Around 67% of all claims are initially denied by the Social Security Administration.
In order to qualify for these benefits, you must meet the two following conditions:
- You must have worked long enough, either through traditional employment or self-employment, and paid sufficient Social Security taxes in order to qualify for these essential benefits.
- You must be unable to take part in any kind of substantially gainful employment due to a medical condition, or a physical or mental impairment that has lasted at least one year, will last at least one year, or will result in your eventual death.
About Gade & Parekh, LLP
For decades, the team at Gade & Parekh, LLP has been assisting men and women just like yourself obtain the Social Security benefits necessary to continue living their lives. While SSDI might work for some people, there are other cases where these benefits might actually have a negative impact. For this reason, along with several others, it is vital that you reach out to us so that we can review your case. You can trust our Stockton Social Security Disability lawyers.
FAQs
Q: How Many People Rely on Disability in California?
A: Nearly one in three people with disabilities relies on Medicaid benefits. Disability can be defined as having any hearing, vision, ambulatory, self-care, cognitive, or independent living difficulties. If you or a loved one suffers from any of these disabilities to the point where they are unable to work, it can be beneficial to speak with a disability attorney who can help determine if SSDI benefits are right for you.
Q: Do I Need an Attorney to Help Me?
A: When seeking disability benefits, it can prove crucial to hire a Social Security Disability attorney who can help you through the entire process. Seeking disability benefits is not easy and, in fact, can be a long and arduous process. While having an attorney by your side in these cases is not required by state law in California, it can make all the difference when it comes to a successful outcome.
Q: Do SSDI Benefits Offer Long-Lasting Stability?
A: Yes, depending on the kind of benefits you are eligible to receive, SSDI benefits can offer financial stability for you and your family, providing a predictable financial foundation for long-term planning. This is one of the many benefits of SSDI and can offer you peace of mind when it comes to any potential economic uncertainty.
Q: What Are the Positives of Seeking Social Security Benefits?
A: Just like there are several downsides to seeking Social Security benefits, there are also plenty of positives. It is wise to look at both sides before deciding whether to pursue a disability application or not. Successful SSDI benefits can offer you and your loved ones a critical source of income as well as Medicare eligibility, and it can also preserve your Social Security credits.
Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
If you are suffering from a medical condition or disability that is keeping you out of work, it is important that you hire a Social Security disability lawyer as soon as possible. While there are some negatives to getting Social Security disability, it is also vital to keep in mind that SSDI might prove a critical source of financial support for you and your loved ones. To determine if SSDI is right for you, contact Gade & Parekh, LLP today for a free consultation.