How Medicare and Medicaid Relate to Social Security Disability

Submitted by Shane on

Navigating the complex intricacies of the Social Security Disability application process can be overwhelming. This is especially true when trying to determine how Medicare or Medicaid will help you along the way. Though they are similar in nature, both insurance plans are very different, and understanding the difference is key to determining the benefits you will receive. This article will help you have a better understanding of the main differences within the Medicare/Medicaid services.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Submitted by Chris on

Many people understand what Social Security Disability benefits are, but not everyone knows exactly who qualifies for these benefits. How long must you be disabled in order to qualify for Social Security Disability? How does your work history impact your ability to collect Social Security Disability benefits? How do you know if your particular disability qualifies under the Social Security Administration's guidelines?

Are Your Social Security Disability Benefits Really at Risk?

Submitted by Daniel on

There are whisperings and rumors that the Social Security system is going to go bankrupt next year. Is this true? Is Social Security really at risk? And if it is, what is going to happen to Social Security Disability benefits? Before you panic and assume that your monthly Social Security Disability benefits are going to stop coming, there are some things you need to know about these Social Security myths.

What to Expect During Your Social Security Disability Medical Exam

Submitted by Chris on

When filing a disability claim, the main factor taken into consideration when reviewing your claim for benefits is how your specific disabling condition affects your ability to work and earn a substantial income. If you do not have enough medical documentation to support this claim or if you have not had a recent evaluation, the Social Security Administration may require you to go for a consultative exam.

Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) are increases in the amount of benefits paid to claimants of Social Security benefits, including Social Security Disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). COLA increases are intended to ensure that the purchasing power of Social Security Disability benefits is not eroded by inflation.

How Do Unemployment Benefits Affect Your Social Security Disability Claim?

Submitted by Chris on

Many people wonder if they can collect unemployment benefits while applying for Social Security Disability. After all, it can take months or even years for the Social Security Administration to approve your claim for Social Security Disability benefits. Shouldn't you be able to collect unemployment benefits while you wait? You are, after all, unemployed.

Quarters of Coverage

A calendar quarter refers to blocks of three months spread out over the calendar year. The first calendar quarter begins January 1 and ends March 31, the second calendar quarter begins April 1 and ends June 30, the third calendar quarter begins July 1 and ends September 30, and the fourth calendar quarter begins October 1 and ends December 31. A quarter of coverage as used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is any calendar quarter in which you are insured under the Social Security program. The term quarter of coverage is no longer used by the SSA.

Representative Payee

If a Social Security Disability beneficiary is unable to manage his or her resources and is unable to appoint someone to act on his or her behalf, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will appoint an individual or an organization to receive disability benefits on behalf of that person. The person appointed to receive Social Security Disability benefits (or any other Social Security benefit) is called a representative payee.

Waiting Period

If you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits, then you will soon become acquainted with the term “waiting period”. There are several long waiting periods associated with the Social Security Disability claims process.

First Waiting Period

The first waiting period is the time between the date you file for benefits and the date you receive your first Social Security disability check. This waiting period can be a long one; most people’s disability claims are denied several times and have to go through a series of reviews before they are allowed.

Understanding the Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowance Program

Submitted by Chris on

Almost everyone has heard the horror stories involving Social Security Disability applications that have taken years to make their way through the approval process. For those individuals who have severe disabilities and are in immediate need of Social Security disability benefits, these tales can invoke feelings of helplessness, frustration and despair. If it is immediately evident that someone is in need of Social Security Disability benefits, shouldn't their Social Security Disability applications be processed more quickly?

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