If you’re disabled and you live in Vermont you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for disability benefits in Vermont you will have to submit a completed application and prove that you have a medical condition that is considered disabling.
If your application for disability benefits in Vermont is approved by the Social Security Administration, you can use the money that you receive to pay for any of your housing or living expenses.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Vermont
When you apply for disability benefits you have to show that you meet the definition of disability in Vermont, which is the same as the SSA’s. To be considered disabled you must be diagnosed with a condition that makes it impossible for you to engage in any kind of substantial gainful activity, or work. And that condition must be expected to last for at least a year.
Substantial gainful activity is any kind of work that you can get paid for. If there is no type of work you can do that someone will pay for because of your disability then you may be approved for disability benefits in Vermont.
People who receive disability benefits in Vermont may also be eligible for housing assistance, WIC or SNAP, help with utility bills, or reduced-cost medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Vermont?
The SSA recognizes both physical and mental health conditions to be disabling. The SSA lists more than 200 medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits in their Blue Book. Every listing in the book also has a set of requirements that you have to prove you meet.
To find out if the medical condition you have is recognized by the Social Security Administration You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can visit your local SSA office to read through the Blue Book there.
It’s very important that you include as much medical documentation of your condition as you can when you’re filling out your application. You must submit evidence showing that you meet all of the SSA’s requirements, or your application will be denied.
When you apply for SSDI you also need to show that you have work credits. Work credits are earned based on the salary that you make and the amount of time you work. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Vermont
There are two different types of disability benefits available in Vermont: SSDI or SSI.
Vermont Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is the SSA’s disability benefit for people who have worked but have become disabled because of a physical or mental illness that they expect to last at least a year. If you have worked in the past but now you can’t work you should apply for SSDI.
When you apply for SSDI in Vermont you must show that you have a condition listed in the Blue Book, and that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months. You will also need to show that you have earned the required amount of work credits for your age. The average monthly SSDI payment in Vermont in 2024 is $1398.34
Vermont Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a type of disability that is paid to people who have never been able to work because of a disability. If you have been disabled since childhood because of an illness or condition you can apply for SSI just before your 18th birthday.
If you’re a parent who doesn’t make much money and you have a disabled child, you may apply for SSI for your child. If you are granted SSI for your child you will need to submit proof that the money is paying for the child’s expenses each month.
The Social Security Administration has put an income cap on SSI benefits. You will have to show that your total household income is below the income cap set by the SSA in order to receive SSI for a sick or disabled child. To prove your income is below the cap you will need to submit W-2s, tax returns, or other financial documents that show your total income.
State of Vermont Disability Programs
The state of Vermont doesn’t offer a state-sponsored short-term disability insurance program. But, many employers do. If your employer offers short-term or long-term disability typically there is a 30-day waiting period for coverage to state. And you may need to wait seven days after you become disabled to claim short-term disability benefits.
If your previous employer offers long-term disability coverage and you opted into that, you can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSDI.
The combined total of your benefits can’t be more than your pre-disability salary, according to the regulations. So if you are receiving long-term disability benefits and SSDI the amount of your SSDI may be reduced in order to keep your total benefit amount under the amount of your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Vermont
Applying for disability benefits can be very overwhelming. The application is very detailed and requires a lot of documentation. If you’re worried that you will fill out the application incorrectly, or you’re not sure how to fill out the application you should talk to a disability lawyer in Vermont.
A Vermont disability lawyer can help you do things like:
- Evaluate Your Case
- Gather Medical Evidence
- Prepare and File Your Application
- Navigate Complex Regulations
- Represent You at Hearings
- Communicate with SSA for you
- Challenge Denial
- Ensure Accurate Documentation
- Advise on Work History and Eligibility
If you’re ready to talk with a Vermont disability lawyer, you can do so right now. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a Vermont disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Vermont?
Vermont residents who are approved for disability benefits can receive up to a maximum payment of $3,822 a month from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be, use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a Vermont Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.
