• Social Security Disability Experts

Social Security Disability - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the more common questions people have about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). At Freedom Disability Services we are available to answer your specific questions and to provide you with expert information at no cost and no obligation. Please call us today at (866) 761-5942

How do I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must have paid into the Social Security system and currently have a medical condition that prevents you from earning above the level of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The current SGA income level is $940 per month and $1570 per month for the blind and vision impaired. To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942. Our Advocates can help determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. Click to see full list of questions

How long must I be unable to work to qualify for Social Security benefits?

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits your condition must make you unable to work for at least twelve consecutive months. If you have been unable to work for at least at least a year, or believe your condition will prevent you from working in the future, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866)761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our experienced Disability Advocates. Click to see full list of questions

How does the Social Security Administration decide if I am disabled?

The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine whether or not claimants are disabled. To see the steps of this process please see our How the SSA Decides if You Are Disabled page. Click to see full list of questions

What if they decide I’m not disabled, but I still feel I deserve benefits?

If the SSA decides that you are not eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, but you believe that you still qualify, you can appeal your claim. This means that you submit an appeal application and your claim is reviewed by a different group of people than your previous evaluation. To read more about the appeals process go to our Appeals Process page or call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 to speak with one of our experienced Advocates. We are experts in appealing denied SSDI claims. Click to see full list of questions

What type of benefits can I receive?

Once you have been approved for Social Security Disability, you are entitled to substantial benefits:

1. Cash Benefits
   Beneficiaries generally begin receiving cash benefits approximately six months after becoming disabled. Payments are made monthly, and are generally directly deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account. The Social Security Administration strongly recommends establishing a bank account if you do not already have one, and receiving cash benefits through direct deposit. The average payment beneficiaries receive over $1,000 a month. Some beneficiaries receive over $2,000 a month. Payments will continue as long as you cannot work and your medical condition has not improved. Beneficiaries are required to report if their medical condition has changed and the case will be reviewed routinely to make certain they are still disabled.



2. Medicare
   After a waiting period of up to 24 months once you begin receiving cash benefits, you may be entitled to Medicare. Also, if you have a serious illness such as kidney failure requiring dialysis, you may qualify immediately.



3. Social Security Retirement Benefits Insurance (Protection of Social Security Cash Benefits)
   Social Security Disability Insurance benefits automatically convert into retirement benefits when you retire. By establishing that your absence from the work force is due to a disability, you will prevent the Social Security Administration from reducing your future retirement benefits. Click to see full list of questions

If my medical condition gets worse can I receive more benefits?

No, the cash benefits you receive are based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began, not the severity of your medical condition. However, if you were originally denied benefits and your condition gets worse there is a strong chance you will be approved if you appeal your claim. Click to see full list of questions

Can I work and receive benefits at the same time?

If you are able to return to work, you are granted a Trial Work Period (TWP). Beneficiaries are given a TWP for nine out of the first 60 consecutive months in which they return to work. During the TWP beneficiaries are allowed a monthly income of up to $670 while still receiving benefits. However, if at any point your monthly income exceeds this amount, benefits will cease immediately. For more information go to our page Calculating Cash Benefits. Click to see full list of questions

What is a Trial Work Period?

A Trial Work Period (TWP) is granted to beneficiaries who are able to return to work after being unable to do so because of their medical condition. The TWP takes place for nine out of the first 60 consecutive months in which you are able to work again. During the TWP beneficiaries are allowed a monthly income of up to $670 while still receiving benefits. However, if at any point your monthly income exceeds this amount, benefits will cease immediately. For more information go to our page Calculating Cash Benefits. Click to see full list of questions

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

We can help. To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits you must meet the qualifications set forward by the Social Security Administration. In order to receive Social Security Disability benefits there are two main requirements:

1. You must have paid into the Social Security benefit program through qualifying work. You also must have held this job long enough and your employment must have terminated recently enough to qualify for disability benefits. (Requirements for how long and how recently you held the job differ according to age)



2. Your medical condition must meet Social Security’s definition of ‘disabled.’
   Social Security must determine your health status is impaired enough to prevent you from any sort of work for one year. (Your medical condition must prevent you from working at any job, substantial gainful activity, for at least one year.) You also qualify if you have a terminal illness and your condition will result in death.

If you believe that you meet these conditions, or have any questions about the process of applying, do not wait! Call Freedom Disability toll-free for a free consultation with one of our Disability Advocates today at (866) 761-5942! Click to see full list of questions

How long does the application process take?

The Social Security Disability Insurance benefits application process typically takes three to five months. Appeals may take significantly longer. The waiting period for appeals is due to the extensive backlog of claimants waiting for hearings with an Administrative Law Judge. Whenever possible it is very important to have your initial claim for benefits approved, to avoid the long appeal back-logs For more information on the backlog, visit our Backlog page. Click to see full list of questions

How long after I am approved will I begin receiving benefits?

Beneficiaries typically begin receiving benefits approximately six months after becoming disabled. For more information about cash benefits visit our How Freedom Will Work For You page. Click to see full list of questions

How much will I receive if I am approved for Social Security benefits?

Your monthly payments are based on the amount of lifetime earnings that have been covered by Social Security. To be eligible claimants must have paid Social Security taxes for a long enough time and must be currently earning less than the SGA level. To calculate exactly how much you will receive, call Freedom Disability Services today at (866) 761-5942 and speak with one of our professional Disability Advocates. Click to see full list of questions

Are there medical conditions that are pre-approved for Social Security benefits?

Yes, there is a list of medical conditions that are so severe that once you are diagnosed by a medical professional, and document that case to the SSA, you can be approved in an accelerated fashion. Claimants with these specific illnesses are awarded Compassionate Allowances due to the severity of their condition. For more about Compassionate Allowances visit our Compassionate Allowances page. Click to see full list of questions

Can people with terminal illnesses be approved for Social Security benefits?

Yes, claimants with terminal illnesses are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Be sure to tell your Freedom Advocate if you believe your medical condition is terminal because there are special procedures for evaluating terminal claims as quickly as possible. Call Freedom today to speak with our Advocates who have experience submitting terminal condition claims to the Social Security Administration. Click to see full list of questions

Why should I work with Freedom?

At Freedom Disability Services we are the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits experts. We specialize in submitting SSDI applications and appeals, and offer the professional experience needed to win your case. A Freedom Advocate will represent you thought the entire process from the first evaluation to the final decision. Freedom will also pay for the collection of all medical records necessary for submitting and supporting your application. And remember, you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case. So call us toll-free today at (866) 761-5942 and begin your application for the SSDI benefits you deserve. Click to see full list of questions

What will Freedom do for me?

Working with a Freedom Advocate will provide you with the experience you need to have a successful Social Security Disability Insurance application. Our professional Disability Advocates will give you a free preliminary evaluation on your first phone call as well as represent you through the entire application process. Freedom also will be happy to pay for the collection of all medical records necessary for submitting and supporting your application. Call Freedom today to begin working with one of our Advocates and start the process to receive the benefits you deserve. Click to see full list of questions

What can I expect from my Freedom Disability Advocate?

Your Disability Advocate will provide you with a free preliminary evaluation as well as represent you throughout the entire application process. Your Disability Advocate will also handle the collection and expenses for all necessary medical documents to fully support your claim. Click to see full list of questions

How can I contact Freedom Disability Services?

Our office is located at 19 Forest Parkway, Shelton, Connecticut. To speak live with one of our Disability Advocates, you can call our office at (866) 761-5942 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.. Contact us as soon as possible to begin your Social Security Disability Insurance application. Click to see full list of questions

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