For millions of Americans, working and functioning normally are impossible due to their disability. With these severe disabilities come mental, physical, and extreme financial strain for everyone involved. Luckily, the government provides help to those with demonstrated need in the form of Social Security disability benefits.
If you are in need of assistance due to some kind of impairment, disability benefits may be for you. While speaking with a disability attorney is the best way to get started, you can also begin the process on your own. After you send in your disability application, you may notice signs that you will be approved for disability. Continue below to see the top five ways disability benefits could help you if approved.
1. Extra Income
The most substantial benefit that Social Security provides is monthly income. This income varies slightly depending on the program, but it is substantial enough to make a large difference in many recipients’ lives.
For example, the current monthly payment for individuals on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is $735/month for individuals and $1,103/month for couples. In contrast, recipients of Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) can receive anywhere from $700/month to $1700/month depending on the severity of their disability.
2. Health Insurance
Another benefit of having disability benefits is reliable insurance coverage. The insurance type varies depending on the disability benefits program.
For example, SSDI recipients are covered under Medicare, which greatly reduces patients’ medical costs in exchange for small monthly premiums. It is available to anyone that is severely disabled and qualifies for SSDI, regardless of income.
Those who receive SSI are enrolled into the Medicaid program, which is designed specifically for low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no parts of medical expenses, but there are small variances in coverage from state-to-state.
3. Medical Transport
Social Security benefits also ensure that recipients receive transportation to and from appointments if they are otherwise unable. Those with Medicare only need to receive a note from their doctor explaining their need to receive free transportation to doctor’s visits.
Those with Medicaid also receive non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) through a federal regulation that requires it to be available. Even in emergencies, those with any Social Security insurance typically receive coverage for ambulance transportation to and from the hospital.
4. Potential Benefits for Family
Occasionally, an applicant’s family may also qualify for benefits through the Social Security program. Family members eligible for benefits include:
- Spouses age 62 or older,
- Spouses of any age caring for their child that is either a) under 16, or b) is disabled,
- Children under 18, or
- Disabled children of any age (whose disability began before age 22)
Typically, a family member can receive about 50% of a recipient’s disability rate. However, a qualifying family cannot receive more that 150-180% of the total disability payment each month.
5. Potential for PASS or Ticket to Work program
For people with disabilities who wish to return to work, Social Security also has programs in place to reintegrate recipients into the workplace.
For example, PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) and Ticket to Work are programs that help disability recipients plan for their future job by saving up for the supplies they’ll need to begin working.
This may include school expenses or equipment and tools necessary to train for their desired employment goal. Participants are also guaranteed benefits throughout the process to insure that no financial strain occurs as they prepare to work.
Contacting a Social Security Attorney
If disability benefits sound right for you, consider hiring a Social Security disability attorney. A disability attorney is an irreplaceable resource that can help with filling out applications, avoiding common application mistakes, and aiding you in the appeals process if necessary.
To give yourself the best chance at receiving the assistance you deserve, speak with a disability attorney today.
