All About Government Pension Disability Insurance: August 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009

August 16, 2009 All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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Disability Insurance 02 - Disability Covered by Government Pension Plan
By Kyle J Norton Platinum Quality Author

As we mentioned in the previous article, most working people are covered under government insurance plan. In this article, we will discuss how government pension plan covers in case of disability of working people. These plans provide death benefits, income for surviving spouses and dependent children as well as disability income benefits for qualified member.
In order to receive the disability income from government pension plan, working people must
1.Be disabled, according to the definition of disability contained in the Government pension legislation.
2. Have contributed to government either
a) In two of the last three years or
b) Five of the last 10 years
3. Be under 65 years old
4. Not have received a government retirement pension for longer than 12 months.
The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that is both severe and prolonged:
Severe means the inability to pursue any substantially gainful employment and prolonged means that such disability is likely to be of indefinite duration or is likely to result in death.
Benefits begin after a three-month waiting period. They consist of a flat amount plus an earnings related amount, which equals 75% of the contributor's retirement pension. Also an addition flat amount is paid for each dependent child. Disability benefits are payable monthly and the amounts are indexed to go up each year according to increases in the Consumer Price Index.
This is payable only until age 65 or prior death or recovery. At age 65 the disability pension is replaced by the retirement pension.
I hope this information will help. If you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:

Kyle J. Norton
http://lifeanddisabitityinsuranceunderwriter.blogspot.com/ or
http://disabilityinsurance01.blogspot.com/ All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact. I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990

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The Government Helps Disabled People
By Billings Farnsworth Platinum Quality Author

There were a lot of things that the philosophers of the olden times got right and one of those things was that there is a strong need for lawyers and government in a society. The government looks to protect and help you in times of need and the lawyers are there to fight for your case if you are treated unjustly. Just like then, there is still a need for government to help people when they need help now in today's world. This sort of help can come from when people need social security benefits because they become disabled after some sort of an accident.
If you have become disabled recently, then you are certainly entitled to find out whether you are eligible to receive social security disability benefits. Social security disability is for those who have become disabled or are disabled due to some sort of accident that may have happened that forces you to be out of work. This can be very frustrating because being out of work means that you cannot make money that you need in order to provide for yourself and those you are possible taking care of. This is where the government comes into play. The government will help you out with this and possibly give you money in order to keep yourself from ending up on the streets.
They understand that accidents do happen and that there needs to be some sort of help for those who get into accidents and cannot provide for themselves. If you believe you have a disability, contact the social security department for more information.

Meyers Law Firm (http://www.meyersonlawfirm.com/) can help you get the social security benefits you deserve.
Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

Social Security Disability - Three Success Stories
By Becca Rode

The stories told here are based on true events, but names (and some details) have been changed. These stories are intended to show how different types of disabilities can be treated by Social Security as they go through the disability application process. Remember that each disability claim is different from the next, and your claim may be as unique as your individual situation.

Erica's moods were out of control. Many days she was severely depressed. She had lost interest in leaving her house, or sometimes even leaving her bed. Erica felt that she was worthless and had thoughts of ending her misery. But sometimes she felt edgy, almost hyper, and couldn't concentrate or focus. Sometimes it was difficult to get a point across when talking. She knew something was wrong, so she began seeing a doctor in 1995. She was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She applied for Social Security disability in 1996.

Andrew was experienced in his job, but accidents happen to even the most experienced of workers. An accident at work left his spine injured, and from then on he had chronic pain. No medications helped, and he had to change positions every twenty minutes because of the pain. It affected his sleep, his daily activities, and prevented him from returning to work. He immediately applied for Social Security disability and Workers Compensation.

Sharon had several problems. Her arthritis was getting worse every week, and sometimes her legs hurt so bad she couldn't stand. She couldn't do her regular daily activities such as gardening and taking walks. But Sharon had another major problem: anxiety. She couldn't handle stress very well, and sometimes she lost control in the worst places. Her work had been understanding, but they were becoming frustrated with her medical needs. Sharon could sense that she would soon be out of a job. She decided to apply for Social Security disability in 2004.

Erica, the woman with bipolar disorder, qualified for only SSI because she had little income, and hadn't earned enough work credits to qualify for disability. Social Security requested her medical records and determined that she did meet the listings for mental disorders. Her condition was severe enough that she could not perform any type of work. She now has Medicare and is receiving mental treatment.

Andrew, the man with back problems, qualified for SSI and disability. He had very little income, and had worked enough to earn work credits necessary for disability insurance. He also qualified separately for Workers Compensation benefits, so his SSI and Disability benefits were offset a bit. He is still in chronic pain, but at least he doesn't have to worry about financial support.

Sharon did not qualify for Social Security under Anxiety alone, and she did not qualify for her Arthritis alone. After she applied, she lost her job and could not find work. Her disability and SSI case went to hearing, where they stated that she could perform work such as a toll booth, where she could stand and sit as needed for her Arthritis. But since she has Anxiety also, which prevents her from stressful situations (and in her case, enclosed spaces), there was no job she could perform. So she was approved for Social Security Disability and SSI at the hearing level. If Sharon had been able to work, she could have worked a few hours without losing her benefits (up to SGA levels).

These are stories that many can relate to, but each individual disability claim is different in many ways. Wherever you are in the application process, best of luck.

Becca has been involved in the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change peoples' lives.

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Social Security Disability Benefits - Eligibility Criteria
By Jitesh Arora Platinum Quality Author

Social Security Disability Benefits are meant to help those who cannot fend for themselves. Some remain disabled throughout their lives forcing them to rely on external help permanently, but some more fortunate ones recover in the course of time and give up the free help.

An aspiring applicant should clearly understand what the rules say in evaluating disability. A visit to the doctor to get certified as an invalid person, either permanently or temporarily, sets the ball moving. The disability should hinder the applicant to take up any job and earn money. Disabilities can be of different and varied kinds. Not only physical weaknesses, but psychological disorders that hinder the earning capacity of a person make him eligible to apply for the grant.

The work or job history plays a big role in deciding his eligibility. In the United States, an applicant should have worked for at least five years of his last ten years of service, before he became incapacitated, in establishments which were paying social security taxes to the government. However, it is nowhere stipulated that those five years service should have been continuous.

The biggest requirement is a detailed medical report which should clearly state that the aspirant is having a physical or psychiatric complication which in turn prevents him or her from pursuing normal jobs and earn a living. If it is found that this weak state may not last for more than twelve months, the authorities will not consider the case on merit. For being eligible, the applicant should be found to be in an unfavorable physical or mental state of permanent nature or which may last for more than twelve months.

The job of finding out the medical status of the applicant is vested on the Disability Determination Services. Every state in the United States has such an agency. The disabled has to approach them to get oneself evaluated. The processing of an application usually takes more than three months. But the time taken and the cumbersome procedures are meant to cut out people seeking easy money by feigning disability. A responsible society need to have such strict rule interpretation and execution strategies. Otherwise it will be mayhem and free for all and resulting in the real weak getting ejected.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

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Disability Insurance - A Very Important Insurance Policy
By Corey Landis Platinum Quality Author

More than likely if you have life insurance and suddenly die, you can count on the debt you left behind being paid off. However, most people do not really think about how their family financial situation will be handled if they are simply injured and unable to work. Could your family continue to put food on the table, pay the rent, obtain medical care, and other necessities if you no longer had an income? You might think somehow that social security will cover it, or the government has some sort of disability program. The odds are however that you won't qualify.

The scariest part of becoming disabled and unable to work, is that it has a higher probability of occurring than dying. Yes we all die eventually but did you know there is a 30% chance that if you are above 30 years old you will be unable to work for a significant period of time between now and the time you are 60? This is a simple statistic that most people overlook but may have to face at some point in their life.

When you think of your monthly budget, seriously consider including the cost of disability insurance. It is not as expensive as you might think. Most insurances agents sell the more common types of insurance such as term life, liability and auto insurance. However, if you are looking for a smart business decision, this is one of them. Even if you never get injured, it is a good precautionary measure. However, if you do get hurt you will be able to stay afloat and not incur debt or have to dip into retirement savings. You will probably never regret having disability insurance. It is always a wise investment.

Looking for cheap insurance? Get free insurance quotes Corey Landis writes on the topics debt management reducing debt and how to buy foreclosures.

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All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

Social Security Disability - How the Hearing Backlog Affects My Claim
By Becca Rode

There are lots of frustrations with applying for Social Security disability or SSI benefits. The paperwork is painstaking and repetitive, the staff are busy and often calloused, and it is difficult to determine what is going on with your disability claim. But the hardest part about applying for Social Security disability is the WAIT.

Sure, there are probably hundreds of thousands of claimants who aren't truly disabled, or are borderline cases, who clog up the system. But most disability applicants are good, honest individuals who are eventually labeled "disabled" and awarded benefits. Unfortunately, many disability or SSI applicants wait until the situation is desperate before applying for benefits, and then the long wait begins. It is hard, for some impossible, to get by while they wait to be approved for disability. And the point in the process when most disability applicants (61%) are approved--the hearing--requires the longest wait thus far.

So you ask, why am I still waiting for a disability hearing? It has been months, or even years, since my Request for Hearing was filed. The Social Security officials use excuses such as lack of funds, lack of workers, increasing caseload, and difficult-to-prove disabilities such as depression and anxiety. Even with $500 million in federal stimulus money, the Social Security disability program will take years to catch up on the hearing backlog. The number of disability recipients has more than doubled since 1990, and the number of workers has decreased by 5% since then. The wait time is now two times longer than in 2000, an average of almost 1.5 years. Meanwhile, disabled Americans struggle to survive the wait.

Is there anything that can be done? Very little, but there are a few things that can help:

First, make sure your application and appeal paperwork is filled out correctly. Thousands of disability applicants are denied on technicalities in their paperwork--missing dates, missing signatures, lack of doctor information, etc. Many disabled claimants are hiring disability attorneys to handle paperwork and phone calls for them, which can help avoid such problems.

Second, communicate with your doctor. Social Security will need medical evidence to show you are disabled. Speak with your doctor about your disability claim and ask for specific information on limitations such as lifting, sitting and standing, medication requirements,and especially work limitations, if applicable. If the doctor feels you are disabled or that your disability prevents you from keeping a job, have him/her write a narrative with these specifics and include it in your medical records to be sent to Social Security. Chart notes and medication lists are helpful, but narratives or letters addressing your specific disabled condition are much more powerful and can get you approved more quickly.

Third, communicate with Social Security. It is acceptable to call once or twice to check the status of your disability claim. Ask if there is anything missing in your file and if you can help get any documentation. Often, if a medical clinic neglects to send your records in, Social Security will send another request or two, then make a decision based on what they have in the file. This process can be avoided if you provide Social Security with your medical records beforehand. If your disability claim is denied, file your appeal immediately. The quicker you file the appeal, the quicker you will receive a decision.

Wherever you are in the disability process, best of luck.

Becca has been involved in the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change peoples' lives.

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Social Security Disability Exam - What Should You Expect?
By Timothy Moore Platinum Quality Author

If you are filing for social security disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits, you may have to submit to a consultative exam (CE), which is a physical or mental exam scheduled by the social security administration.

Not all individuals filing for SSD or SSI are required to go to a CE, but for those who have not been to a doctor within the last 60 days, or who have other medical conditions listed in their medical records for which they have not received prior treatment, a CE will in all likelihood be required before a disability examiner can render a decision on your claim.

A consultative medical exam is not scheduled for the purpose of prescribing medical treatment, nor is it a means to arrive at a diagnosis that will prove or disprove a medical disability. In fact, most CEs are fairly brief, and may last as little as 10 minutes, because their sole purpose is to meet the requirement that a disability examiner consider "recent medical evidence" before closing a case. In other words, it's more of a formality, and will not overrule the other medical evidence which a claimant has supplied to the social security administration in his or her medical history.

However, sometimes doctors' notes make reference to secondary medical conditions for which the claimant is not seeking benefits, such as depression, or insomnia, etc., fairly common complaints for those who are under the stress of dealing with chronic pain or fatigue, or for anyone who must consider leaving the workforce for that matter. If your physician has noted that you seem depressed or are suffering other mental symptoms for which you have not had treatment, your CE may consist of a mental exam, and yes, you must attend. Not only is not attending a scheduled CE grounds for denial of your disability claim, but it could also mean that you short yourself from receiving full compensation for any other impairments you might have. Either attend the scheduled CE or reschedule it if you are unable to make it that day.

Not all CEs are medical exams; some may require that a patient have recent medical tests to provide the disability examiner with a snapshot of their physical state as it is now. New X-rays, MRIs, or spirometry testing of pulmonary function may be required before a case is closed to show how your condition has improved, worsened, or if it remains stable.

One thing that you should prepare yourself for if you are scheduled for a consultative exam, and this is really word of mouth from those who have attended them before-many of the physicians who conduct CEs do not come off as the most caring individuals. While this is not true of all of them, to be sure, many social security disability claimants leave these exams feeling defensive, and that the doctor performing the exam doesn't really care about them, or even believe that they are disabled. If this is your experience, do not put to much stock into what the physician performing the CE thinks or doesn't think, because in the end it is really your treating physician's opinion that will be given the most weight by the disability examiner.

The author of this article is Timothy Moore, who, in addition to being a former food stamp caseworker, medicaid caseworker and AFDC caseworker, is a former disability claims examiner for the social security administration. He publishes information on his Social Security Disability Blog

Social Security Disability - Benefits & Eligibility
By Jitesh Arora Platinum Quality Author

Most people wish to work hard through their lives and lead a very cozy retired life. But many less fortunate ones among us fall prey to a plethora of physical and mental illness forcing them to rely on social security as their sole income source. Misfortune can strike anyone at any time without warning. So it is of paramount importance that one plan for any contingencies while he could work and earn. Keeping records of health and work details properly is the first step that will cut out a lot of pain when you are forced to apply for social security.

The social security administration keeps track of the work details of all employees above twenty five years of age. They generate yearly statements showing the total earnings and future benefits. The wages earned are usually covered by Social Security and Medicare as the employer deducts an amount from the salary and deposits the amount in social security funds. In case of self employed earning more than $400 every year, they have to pay a Social Security and Medicare tax along with income tax. Military personnel are also covered under Social Security benefits.

Earnings from pensions, interest or dividend income are not termed as earnings and hence does not attract social security taxes. These earnings are not taken into account while determining the eligibility of an applicant. Employees working under non-profitable organizations and government agencies that does not contribute to social security but pays for a pension plan find it difficult to earn many benefits under social security, as they are covered under pension plans. Even social security benefits of your spouse may be offset by two thirds if you are covered by governmental pension plans.

Due to the co-existence of both the schemes, a number of people working under the government were qualified for pensions from their respective agencies and also eligible for social security benefits for spouses even when they were not dependent on them. This anomaly was set right with the introduction of this offset. Social security spouse benefits are intended to provide succor to people who were dependent upon the incomes of their spouses working in jobs covered by social security plans and not as an additional income for already existing benefits.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

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All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

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Understanding Social Security-Disability Benefits
By Jitesh Arora Platinum Quality Author

Disability is a state where a human being is rendered incapable to earn and look after oneself. In such a state it is imperative on the part of the community he is part of to make arrangements to see to it that the disabled are not let high and dry. Some countries dole out substantial amounts with no strings attached. This practice has its own drawbacks in that it is a huge drain on public resources. Lack of proper scrutiny has helped many crooks get into support under the disability benefit schemes.

Progressive countries have found out ways to beat the problem. The funds are managed in such a way that it does not affect the financial situation. The US government has instituted disability social security taxes to fund the schemes. Many states have passes legislations that asks the employers should provide disability to their employees for non occupational injuries.

The agencies dealing with distribution of these benefits deal with each application received with an open mind and on a case to case basis. There is no blind application or rules. Social security benefits are provided under different schemes to disabled workers, military personnel injured and incapacitated in war, people injured severely in accidents and persons who are physically or mentally hindered from earning for a living.

The funds required for providing disability assistance are garnered from different sources. Every corporate house contributes towards it in the form of taxes. The Federal and State governments also pitch in with their contributions. The earnings coming from social security taxes are also contributes to this cause.

Two distinct disability programs are run for helping the needed. The first one is the Social Security Disability Insurance program, which contributes a steady amount to a disabled person if he had paid social security taxes while he was in a position to work. Here, some family members are also eligible to receive assistance. The other scheme is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program where the local government pays the beneficiary out of the funds generated from taxes.

Many websites with expertise in helping eligible people garner these benefits have come up. They provide valuable help to the disabled from the time of filling up the application to the final stages of scrutiny, thereby cutting out difficulties and disenchantment. Government departments also lend a helping hand in making the aspirant understand the requirements of the system.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

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Social Security Disability Facts
By Timothy Moore Platinum Quality Author

Each Social Security disability case can be quite different: the information needed to be eligible is dependent upon the case details, the length of time taken to award benefits may vary, and the amount of money awarded is individual to each case. While there are many variables in being accepted for Social Security disability (SSD), there are some facts about the process that you can count on. Before you start the application process, take a look at this small list of facts to determine whether you should go forward.

Fact 1: Your disability status is determined by the severity of your disability. Specifically, you must have already been disabled for a year, or be expected to be disabled for at least a year (proven by a doctor). In addition, the mere definition of the term 'disability' assumes that your disability may possibly result in death. These facts must be present as a part of your case to deem you 'disabled'.

Fact 2: You cannot receive Social Security disability for short-term or partial disability. There are no amendments to this fact. Worker's compensation and medical insurance are good options for either case.

Fact 3: You can still work and collect SSD, as long as your earnings are under a certain amount per month, known as substantial gainful activity. If you are working and the amount received before taxes is less than the substantial gainful activity, you may still collect SSD.

Fact 4: The amount of money you receive from SSD is not based on how much money you are currently making at your present job.

The amount of money you will be awarded will be based on how much you have paid into the Social Security disability program over your lifetime.

The last fact to know is...

FACT 5: Receiving Social Security disability benefits is a timely process. It may take 3 months, 6 months, or over a year. Some cases may take longer. Almost all cases are denied at the first application, and many are denied for a second time. Having investments to draw from or a healthy savings account can be imperative during the application process and review process.

If after reading these facts you are sure that you qualify as disabled, begin the application process as soon as possible.

The author of this article is Timothy Moore, who, in addition to being a former food stamp caseworker, medicaid caseworker and AFDC caseworker, is a former disability claims examiner for the social security administration. He answers questions about the federal disability system on on his Social Security Disability Questions page.

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How Much Can I Get From 2009 Social Security Disability Benefits?
By Matt Berry

How much will the SSA grant in supplemental income, and what benefits can you receive?

When you or a family member is unable to work due to a work-related injury or a severe medical condition, you can apply for Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration.

How soon, and how often, will I receive Social Security disability benefits?
Once your application is approved, you will start receiving benefits in about 6 months. You will receive your Social Security benefits on a monthly basis.

How much will my benefits be?
The amount of your monthly disability benefits is based on your average lifetime earnings. You can get an estimate of your benefits from the SSA's Benefit Calculator on their website. For guidance, below are the 2008 v. 2009 Social Security disability thresholds:

- 2008: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - Non-Blind ($940 / month), Blind ($1,570 / month), Trial Work Period ($670 / month)
- 2009: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - Non-Blind ($980 / month), Blind ($1,640 / month), Trial Work Period ($700 / month)

What kinds of benefits can I get?
In addition to a monthly amount, you may be eligible to receive other benefits. Additional Social Security benefits that you may be eligible for are:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Food stamps
- Medicaid
- Medicare (after 2 years)
- Services under the Ticket to Work Program (allows you to go to work to earn more money)

When do I get Medicare coverage?
You will get coverage after you have received disability benefits for 2 years.

Is my family eligible to receive benefits?
Yes. Certain family members may qualify for benefits. They include:
- Your spouse, if he or she is 62 or older
- Your spouse, if he or she is financially supporting a child of yours who is either disabled or under the age of 16 younger
- Your child, if he or she is under the age of 18 and in school full time
- Your child, over the age of 18, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22

How much can a family member receive in benefits?
Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50% of your disability rate.

Adjustments to your benefits:
Your Social Security benefits may change as necessary. Your benefits may change or be stopped if:
- The cost of living has gone up (in which case, your benefits would increase)
- Your medical condition improves
- There is any change in your ability to work
- You get married or divorced
- Your citizenship changes

What may cause my Social Security benefits to be temporarily or permanently stopped?
- You have an outstanding arrest warrant
- You are convicted of a crime
- You are also receiving Railroad Retirement benefits
- You earn more than $980 or more per month ($1,640 if you are blind)
- You violate a condition of your probation or parole

What may cause my Social Security benefits to be reduced?
Your Social Security disability benefits may be reduced if you receive other government benefits.

Your Social Security benefits may be reduced if:
- You are receiving workers' compensation
- You work for an employer that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary (Windfall Elimination Provision)
- You receive a pension from a federal, state or local government based on work where you did not pay Social Security taxes (Government Pension Offset)

Social Security Attorneys and 2009 Social Security Disability:
What 2009 Social Security Disability changes will occur? A Social Security Disability attorney is an expert on disability law. Hiring a disability lawyer helps improve your chances of winning disability benefits and can impact the speed from date of application that you start to receive benefits. If you have questions about the 2009 Social Security Disability application, or if you have a case from a prior year that has not been awarded benefits, consider contacting an experienced disability lawyer.

Matt Berry is an Atlanta SSI disability lawyer focused on disability law. His team of Social Security attorneys is experienced with the 2009 Social Security Disability law.

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All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disability insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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Social Security Disability Benefits
By Jitesh Arora Platinum Quality Author

Being physically or mentally disabled is not a happy proposition for anyone. Such people are not so rare in the society but progressive states finds ways to keep these differently able citizens lead normal lives by providing them with basic amenities which they cannot garner themselves. Healthy and happy citizens make a progressive society. So, societies have taken upon themselves this task, which is beneficial not to the disabled persons only, but also for the society as a whole.

There are many reasons for being disabled. Some are like that since their birth, some become weak and feeble due to old age or sickness, or some by some unfortunate, unnatural occurrences. It is for such persons that governments set aside sizeable amounts as social security disability benefits fund.

However, to become eligible for these benefits, the person seeking the grant should get certified that he is permanently unable to undertake any job of profit due to unfavorable physical, psychological or psychiatric reasons. However, it is a long and comprehensive procedure spanning several months. The first step is to submit a detailed application stating all facts. This is followed by medical examination, verification of the stated facts and in some cases, arbitration. The level of disability and its effect on the well being and survival is ascertained during the course of these procedures. Sometimes the application may get rejected, but the applicant has the choice to appeal for reconsideration or can approach appellate bodies as a last resort.

Disability is defined officially as a physical state where a person is unable to work, or adjust to a different kind of employment due to adverse physical or mental conditions. Also, it has to be noted whether the disability is of permanent nature, or just a passing phase. A person becomes eligible if his or her disability continues for more than one year. But, in real terms, one need not be fully and permanently disabled to become a beneficiary.

Once declared eligible, the applicant will receive support on a monthly basis. After 24 months of support, the beneficiary will become eligible for medical assistance too. Another feature is that dependent family members also are eligible to receive a monthly benefit of maximum fifty 50 percent of support for a disabled person.

Periodical reviews will be conducted to ascertain whether the physical or mental state of the beneficiary is showing substantial improvement. In case of such an improvement where it is proved that the person is able to work and fend for himself without help, disability benefits will rightly come to a stop.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

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Do You Know Enough About Social Security Disability Benefits
By Jitesh Arora Platinum Quality Author

The Social Security Administration adopts a five step formula to determine whether the applicant is meets the prescribed parameters of disability to be eligible for receiving social security disability benefits. The department has its own definitions about all the terms involved and the applicant has to fulfill all the parameters as per those definitions.

The first step is to determine if the individual is 'working', according to their definition. If it is found that the applicant is earning more than 'Substantial Gainful Activity' amount from his present job, the application will be summarily rejected. The Administration evaluates the work undertaken by a claimant and earnings thereof.

After satisfying the first requirement, the authorities check out whether the claimed impairment is serious enough to substantially limit your capabilities to work and earn a sustainable income. Another criterion to be fulfilled here is that the physical or mental impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a period of not less than a year. The age, education and work experience plays an important role in determining whether the claimant is capable for taking up a less demanding alternative job.

Now it is the time to find out whether the physical or mental impairment the patient is suffering is a listed one. The list consists of 150 medical conditions categorized into thirteen major systems, which they consider severe enough to impair a person from working in a job of profit. Medical professionals working in the field are well versed on the provisions of the Blue Book in which the listings are made.

The fourth step is to figure out the possibility of a person to perform some job which he had done in the past despite the impairment. If the social security administration findings are positive, the applicant would be denied benefits, if otherwise, they move on to the last step.

Here the administration tries to find out whether the person can take up an alternative work which his physical or mental condition permits. There are four determinants while looking at this possibility. The age of the applicant, his educational background, his past work experience and his physical and mental condition. Illness like arthritis are considered differentially as it is found that such diseases create a psychological barrier in the minds of people and renders then unsuitable to do even unskilled work.

Gaining knowledge about these five steps is of phenomenal importance for an applicant if he hopes to get a positive outcome during processing of his application.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

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Traumatic Brain Injury and Social Security Disability
By Sharon A Christie

I am frequently asked whether someone with a Traumatic Brain Injury can get Social Security disability benefits. The answer is YES, depending on the specific facts of each case. Social Security disability benefits are not awarded based solely on a diagnosis. The key to getting these benefits is to prove that your limitations are severe enough to prevent you from working on a full-time basis.

Social Security has a very specific definition of disability. I talk to many clients who believe that because they are unable to return to their specific job they will automatically be found disabled by the Social Security Administration. This is not true.

The definition of disability that applies to Social Security claims is:

"The inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. To meet this definition you must have a severe impairment(s) that makes you unable to do your past relevant work or any other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy." 20 C.F.R. §404.1505

What does this really mean? Basically, your medical or psychiatric condition must be so severe that it keeps you from doing any type of work on a full-time basis and has already lasted for 12 months or longer, or is expected to last that long. The determination of disability is based on the information in your medical records, reports from your treating doctors about your physical and/or mental limitations, reports from any Consultative Examinations scheduled by the Social Security Administration and your testimony at the hearing before an administrative law judge. The Social Security administration will consider whether you are capable of returning to any of the jobs that you most recently held or any other type of work. This determination of disability does not consider whether you could earn the same amount of money in other types of jobs. This determination is based solely on your physical and/or mental capabilities.

I am also frequently asked whether Social Security has some type of "partial disability" award. The answer is NO. For Social Security purposes your condition must be totally disabling for at least 12 months. However, you can still receive benefits if your condition improves and you return to work. This is called a "closed period" and means that you were unable to work on a full time basis for at least 12 months but have now recovered and can return to work. For example, if you are injured in a serious car accident you might require ongoing therapy for 18 months. After that period you may be able to return to work. You can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits for that 18 month period. You would not receive ongoing monthly benefits, however, once you can return to work.

Medical evidence of your physical and/or psychological limitations is the key to getting Social Security disability benefits. If you have been unable to work for at least 12 months or anticipate that you will be unable to work for that long you may qualify for Social Security disability. So, if this describes your situation you should apply right away.

Sharon Christie is a nurse and an attorney in Towson, Maryland. She handles Social Security disability and serious personal injury cases. Find out more about Sharon A Christie and request her popular free book on Social Security Disability Claims at http://www.SharonChristieLaw.com. You can also reach her at 410-823-8200.

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Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
By Marya Sieminski Platinum Quality Author

Many Americans have a limited understanding of the disability benefits available from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This federal government agency provides benefit programs to individuals with serious disabilities and to their families.

The Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) are available to disabled workers who paid enough earnings into the Social Security system. SSA determines if you are eligible for DIB, based on your work history during the years before you became totally disabled. As a general rule, you probably have enough work credits to qualify, if you worked for 5 out of the last 10 years.
The following factors determine eligibility for DIB:

Whether or not you have enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits.

Whether or not you have an impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.

The nature and extent of your impairment.

Your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity since your impairment began.

The date your disability began.

The family members of a person approved for Disability Insurance Benefits also may qualify for benefits, based on the disabled wage earner's SSA earnings. Furthermore, children and spouses of deceased individuals who accumulated enough SSA earnings prior to death may be eligible for benefits.

Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI) are provided to low-income disabled children and adults. SSA considers other benefits, savings, certain assets, and income of household members, to determine whether a claimant's income is low enough to qualify for SSI.

The following factors determine eligibility for SSI:

Whether or not your household income meets the SSI income limits.

Whether or not you have an impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.

The nature and extent of your impairment.

Your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity since your impairment began.

The date that your disability began.

Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

You must be totally disabled from employment and meet the Social Security Administration requirements for prior earnings.

As defined by the Social Security Act, a disability means:

Inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months or result in death.

Therefore, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you can answer yes to one or more of the following questions:

Do you have a severe physical or mental impairment that prevents you from participating in any type of gainful employment?

Do you have a disability that prevents you from working at any job, rather than just your previous employment? Has your disability lasted, or is it expected to last, for at least one year?

Is your disability life threatening?

Medical Evidence for Your Social Security Disability Claim
The Social Security Administration requires evidence of the extent of a disabling condition before awarding benefits. To succeed in obtaining benefits, you must have a severe impairment that is shown by "medically acceptable clinical and laboratory findings."

Unfortunately, many illnesses may completely disable an individual, but remain difficult to diagnose. In these cases, an attorney can analyze your medical records to try to find the evidence necessary to prove that you have a serious disability.

If you or a loved was denied Social Security benefits, talk with an experienced Social Security lawyer today.

Attorney Marya Sieminski joined the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in 2003. She is admitted to practice law in Michigan state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. Marya has worked as a trial lawyer for 10 years and exclusively represented victims in personal injury litigation and in workers compensation claims. She also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Michigan Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee. The Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein, our Michigan Social Security disability and personal injury law firm, has championed the cause of seriously injured Michigan victims for three generations.

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Social Security Disability - Why Disability Insurance is the Best
By Becca Rode

It takes an understanding of the basics of Social Security to submit an application to the SSA. Most people understand that Disability Insurance, or SSDI (sometimes called Title II) are for individuals who have worked in the past but are unable to do so anymore, or at least for an extended period of time. They also know that monthly checks will come from Social Security (if approved), as well as a back benefits check. However, many people don't know that there's a lot more than financial assistance when it comes to Disability Insurance.

First of all, when you compare SSDI to another Social Security program called SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, there is a lot more freedom. SSI requires that the entire household not exceed a specified income limit, or the SSI benefits will be cut off. There are also restrictions on assets. Social Security Disability Insurance, however, doesn't even look at income or assets, but rather work credits. Work credits are just a way to determine if you have worked enough to pay adequate income taxes into the system. Of course, both programs require that you are found disabled. And many people are eligible for both programs concurrently.

In addition to the freedom from specific income limits, there are four great benefits that come with receiving SSDI.

1) Medicare. Medical benefits are a fantastic bonus, especially since they are usually sorely needed by those who are found disabled. Regardless of age, once you have been receiving Disability Insurance for two years, you are eligible for both hospital and medical benefits. And those who are eligible for Medicare are now also eligible for prescription coverage.

2) Dependent Benefits. When an individual receives Disability benefits and has children under 18, the children may be eligible for benefits as well.

3) COBRA extension. Disability recipients receiving COBRA can extend their coverage from 18 to 29 months.

4) Retirement Benefits. Receiving Social Security disability "freezes" Social Security earnings records during your period of disability. Because those years will not be counted when computing future benefits, your Social Security retirement benefits will be higher.

Wherever you are in the Social Security Disability process, best of luck.

Becca has been involved in the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change peoples' lives.

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Social Security Disability Insurance - Why You Need to Research It
By Marty Perdew

The social security and supplemental income disability programs are the largest federal programs providing assistance to people with disabilities. Social security disability insurance pays you and your family benefits if you have worked long enough and paid enough social security taxes. Supplemental Security Income, on the other hand, pays benefits based on your financial need. There is a common social stigma for people who earn welfare that sometimes includes people who collect social security disability insurance. SSDI is not a welfare program, and requires an extensive qualification process proving that the people receiving SSDI are indeed disabled.

-have a mental or physical condition preventing you from carrying out any "substantial gainful work"

-the condition must last for 12 months or result in death

-under the age of 65

-have been working 5 out of the last 10 years

The work requirement is waived if the person suffered the condition at or before the age of 22. The person would thereby collect on the parents' work credits with no loss of benefits to the parents. Medical evidence and an evaluation is conducted to demonstate that the applicant is unable to work.

If you feel that you qualify for social security benefits, you will need to decide between title II disability vs. Title XVI SSI. You should consult your elder care lawyer immediately. The two programs are drastically different in that disability will usually pay more based on your work history over the past 10 years. Generally, Disability pays more and you don't have to worry about your payments being offset from family support and other welfare programs.

CLICK HERE To Find a FREE Ebook and more valuable information on Senior Home Care

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Social Security Disability - How the Hearing Backlog Affects My Claim
By Becca Rode

Is there anything that can be done? Very little, but there are a few things that can help:

Wherever you are in the disability process, best of luck.

Becca has been involved in the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change peoples' lives.

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Social Security & Disability Insurance
By Jitesh Arora Platinum Quality Author

Social security disability insurance is an assistance scheme meant for providing a steady income for people who find it difficult to earn for them due to some adverse medical condition. The support is granted till such time the disability continues. In cases of chronic severe physical problems, it will continue till the time of death.

The funds are garnered by way of income taxes from employees and federal insurance programs of the United States government and managed by the Social Security Administration. Finding out the really needy and helping them out is a problematic field, by the administration is doing the job well in providing timely assistance.

Some people shy away from for the Social security disability insurance programs in the wrong belief that it is a welfare measure. It also seems that there is an undercurrent in the society against such running after such free welfare measures. However, the benefits are allotted only after a long drawn process where it is doubtlessly proved that the aspirant is truly disabled and cannot subsist otherwise.

To qualify for this insurance, the applicant should be in a mental or physical condition which hinders gainful work fit enough to help the person sustain. This state of affairs should continue more than one year or till death. Applicants who are under sixty five years of age and had worked for at least five years in the last ten years only will qualify. People who become disabled before attaining the age of twenty two need not fulfill this work period criteria. They can draw benefits from work credits of their parents, but it is to be said that parents does not loss benefits when their own turn for disability benefits comes around.

The most important documentary evidence required for determining eligibility of the applicant is the medical evidence for proving his or her inability to work. A lot of factors including the age, work history, educational qualifications are also taken into account.

The process is a time consuming procedure, sometimes taking up to eight months depending upon the load of work on the agencies. But once you are considered eligible, a monthly payment, which also takes into account inflation and rise of living costs will come to you. After receiving the benefits for two years, you will be made eligible for collecting medical care too.

If you want to know more about Social Security Disability Benefits then feel free to visit http://www.disabilityappeal.com

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All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

Social Security Disability Insurance - Are You Eligible to Make a Claim?
By Sara Fabre

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year, then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, like any other encompassing public program, finding your way around the social security disability benefits' system on your own can be a difficult and at times exasperating undertaking. Just obtaining the required forms, background information and medical data can become a challenge. Mistakes in completing forms, incorrect or incomplete back-up information, and submittal errors are some of the reasons that claims are initially denied or re-submittals requested. For these and other reasons, you should consider discussing your situation with an SSDI lawyer. SSDI attorneys are experts in social security disability law and in working face-to-face with social security representatives. An SSDI lawyer can help ease you through this vital, but often complex program.

As with any legal issue, it is in your best interest to engage the services of a social security disability insurance lawyer at the beginning of the benefit application process. Initial contact should be made prior reaching the 12th month of your disability so that the discovery process can begin in advance and the critical filing dates can be met. Your SSDI lawyer will advise you of eligibility issues, forms to file and medical and work related information to be obtained so that the submittal of your claim is as complete as possible at the beginning. Your lawyer will also assist you to obtain records and information from employers, hospitals, doctors and other sources in a timely manner. This assistance is especially important if you have previously requested such information and these sources have been slow or reluctant to provide information to which you are legally entitled.

Next, your SSDI lawyer will assist you through the filing process and will assure that filing is properly completed to minimize the possibility of rejection due to the submittal of incorrect claim forms and/or back-up information. Your lawyer will also, if necessary, represent you directly with social security to be sure that your claim is reviewed fairly and efficiently. These are important considerations to be sure that you receive the benefits to which you are legally entitled without time consuming re-submittals or undue delays.

Lastly, a disability insurance lawyer stays with you as your situation changes. Like most entitlement programs, social security disability insurance payments are constantly monitored by social security and benefits can be discontinued at any time for a variety of reasons. Your SSDI lawyer will help you to file the necessary on-going reports and assist you in notifying social security of changes to your condition. They are there to help you maintain your benefits and to work with you to restore payments that have been stopped. An SSDI lawyer is your advocate working with you and social security to be sure that your legal benefits continue.

Whether you are applying for benefits for the first time or if you have been receiving benefits that are now being denied, SSDI lawyers can help you work with social security to secure your benefits while you concentrate on getting back to work.

The attorneys at Oxenburg & Franzel are experts in Pennsylvania social security disability law and have been have been successfully representing SSDI claimants for over 25 years. Whether you are looking for a Philadelphia disability insurance lawyer to assist from the beginning of your claim or to represent you to restore lost benefits or for any other SSDI issue, Oxenburg & Franzel can help. For a consultation with a Philadelphia SSDI lawyer regarding your social security disability insurance issue, contact Oxenburg & Franzel. Let them put their expertise to work for you.

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What You Should Know About the Social Security Disability Insurance
By Mike Selvon Platinum Quality Author

If you have recently become disabled, then you are probably feeling uncertain about your financial future. One of the first places to turn is to short term disability insurance, which will cover you for a few weeks, or up to six months as you recuperate; unless, of course, you became disabled on-the-job, in which case you'll file for Worker's Compensation Insurance instead.

You can apply for either insurance through the human resources department at your place of employment. If it looks like you'll be out of work for the long haul, you can apply for long term disability insurance through your employer once your short term insurance expires. If you are over 65, then you can apply for Social Security. If you are disabled and not working, then you may still be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance.

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits/insurance, visit Socialsecurity to fill out an application and then return it to your local social security office, which can be found at Secure Ssa. To fill out the Social Security Disability application, you will need your social security number, your birth certificate, the names, addresses and phone numbers of case workers, doctors, clinics and hospitals that cared for you, along with the dates of care.

Include the names and dosages of medication you're taking, medical records from doctors, therapists, hospitals and clinics, laboratory test results, a summary of your work experience and a copy of your most recent W2. In addition to this basic form, you will also need to fill out other forms about your medical condition, your ability to work and forms giving doctors permission to send information to the government regarding your condition. Since the process can be complicated, some people prefer to schedule an appointment with a caseworker to fill out a Disability Starter Kit at the nearest office by calling 1-800-772-1213.

According to the most recent Social Security Disability Insurance fact sheet, about 62.8% of the recipients are retired beneficiaries in their sixties or older. Another 13% are disabled workers, with an average age of 51. Another 6% are spouses of retired workers, 10% are widows of deceased beneficiaries and 8.2% are children of retired or disabled workers or who are themselves disabled.

Statistically, 75% of the recipients are white, 18% are black and 7% are other ethnicities. Two-thirds of the beneficiaries are 50-64. Of all disabled workers, just over 27% have been diagnosed with mental disorders other than retardation and fewer than 25% have musculoskeletal disabilities. Only 1 in 500 workers receiving a social security disability benefit ever return to work.

If approved for Social Security Disability Insurance, they will use a formula to determine exactly how much you will receive. As of May 2009, the average disabled beneficiary of SSDI was bringing in $1,062 per month. If necessary, these individuals could be awarded an additional $284 for a dependent spouse and $318.30 for a child under 18. The disability determination services office is often flooded with applicants, so this process can take anywhere from 90 days to over a year to go through. This may seem outrageous for someone who is truly in need, but consider that in March 2007, there was a backlog of 1,463,153 applications awaiting approval.

Educate yourself further about the disability form from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the disability application.

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What You Should Know When Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits
By Mike Selvon Platinum Quality Author

There is a certain stigma against the disabled in this country that leaves people feeling like second-class citizens if they need a little help paying their living expenses due to an injury or illness. While it may not be preferable for you to go on the public dole, you'll be happy to know that it is possible for a person to collect social security disability benefits and still work part-time at a job. As long as you make less than $980/month at your job, you can collect SSDI benefits from the Social Security Administration as well.

The first step to applying for social security disability benefits is to visit your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA to fill out a social security disability application and adult work history form. Once you file your initial disability insurance claim, you'll need to wait 90 to 120 days for a decision. Since there are millions of applications submitted each year and no mandated deadlines, you could feasibly wait even longer. Your claim will be reviewed to see if you fit all the qualifications. Generally speaking, for SSDI benefits, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years, you must fit their classification of "disabled" and you must not make more than $980/month (as of May 2009).

The next stage of applying for social security disability benefits occurs if your application is rejected. Approximately 64% of all applicants are initially denied assistance, so you shouldn't take it to heart and give up. By law, you are entitled to file a social security disability appeal and request reconsideration. During the reconsideration, an administrator will look over your files again.

Sometimes circumstances change and another 14% of claimants get approved this way. If you are still denied, then you can file a second appeal that is called a "request for hearing," which will have you meet with an administrative law judge within 50 miles of your home. Over 60% of the people who appear at a hearing get approved, so it often pays to persevere, and get a lawyer!

When filing for disability, you should plan on making several appeals before your case is won and your social security disability benefits are awarded. This means that it could take more than a year to finish the process. In the meantime, you will need to be conscientious about not incurring new debts and in restructuring existing debts. You may also need to apply for other aid programs like food stamps, HEAP or prescription drug assistance programs as you wait.

Educate yourself further about the disability form from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the disability application.

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All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

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