Making a Claim for Social Security Disability
Making a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can be a complicated process. We have put together a few short videos for you, to help you understand what SSD is, and what you need to know about collecting benefits.
What Is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability is when you’re no longer able to work, and you get your Social Security retirement at an earlier age than you would normally be eligible for. Normally, it’s age 66, 67, depending when you’re born. When you become disabled is when you can get Social Security Disability, and get a disability benefit that is equal to what your retirement would’ve been; and that’s what you’re supposed to live on if you’re disabled and no longer able to work.
What If I’m Still Working? Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability?
If you’re continuing to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability, or at least eligible to apply for it. The question is, How much are you making per month? For 2018, it’s $1,180 per month is the most you can earn before taxes and still be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability. If you’re earning more than that in any given month, you’re generally not going to be able to apply for Social Security Disability, because your work will be considered to be what’s called substantial gainful activity, which basically just means you’re working enough. They don’t believe that you could quality for Social Security Disability.
What Are Grid Rules?
The normal rule for Social Security, at the last step to be found disabled, is that you can’t perform any other work in the national economy. However, if you’re over a certain age, and you have a certain work experience it’s not as hard to be found disabled. These are called the grid rules, and they change at age 50, age 55, and also age 60.
If you have been hurt and cannot work, Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is here to help. Our Maryland Social Security Disability lawyers can help you make a claim for benefits, and will represent you if your previous claim has been denied. Please call 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation at one of our offices today.
David Muncy is a partner at Plaxen Adler Muncy. He focuses on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security Disability cases. For more information, please visit his bio.