If you are considering an application for Social Security disability, you must first be able to answer “yes” to the following multi-part question:
- Is your condition severe enough that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months? Or, if you are still working, are you either . . . earning less than $1,470 per month (substantial gainful amount as of 2023) in gross earnings due to your condition OR is your employer accommodating your limitations by changing the job or paying you more than you earn?
If you answered “YES,” you should then educate yourself about what disability programs you potentially are eligible for. Start by finding out from the Social Security Administration whether you are “disability insured” and what monthly cash benefit you might be eligible for if you are found disabled. Here’s how: go to www.ssa.gov and click on “My Social Security.” You will be prompted to create an account. Once you create the account you can review your earnings history. Social Security will tell you if you have enough work credits to be covered by Disability Insurance. If your disability insurance coverage ended recently, you may still be eligible for benefits if you can prove your disability started before your coverage ended.
Even if you are not disability insured, there are other benefits you may be eligible for. Visit www.benefits.gov/ssa/home to find out more. If you have low income and few assets (a home and a car do not count), you may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you have questions about Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI please contact Kirsch & Clark (208-882-3598 or 1-800-921-3700). Kirsch & Clark is a specialized law firm limiting its work to Disability and Elder Law. We handle the following types of disability claims: Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, Long Term Disability Insurance, PERSI Disability Retirement, and Disabled Veterans. We help people at ALL stages of the process of getting Social Security Disability benefits, including completing the initial application. We have found that time spent making a complete and accurate application can pay off in the long run. Our knowledgeable staff knows what information the Social Security Administration needs and how to best explain your case.
We also practice in the area of Elder Law, helping with Medicaid applications, guardianships, Special Needs Trusts, Probate and Wills.
