When most people think of Social Security, they think of the retirement program: Pay into it for the forty years or so you’re in the workforce, and you’re guaranteed a certain level of income at retirement. But the disability portion of the program is a vital social net for workers who find that, because of long-term illness or a disabling injury, they are no longer able to work. According to a government website, a worker at the age of twenty has a three in ten chance of suffering a disabling illness or injury between now and retirement.
The federal government defines a disability as an illness or injury that is expected to last a year or more, or that is determined to be terminal. If you meet the physical criteria, you have to pass a financial test; owning certain assets is acceptable, while others are not. It can be tough getting acceptance for a federal disability claim; over 80 percent of claims are initially rejected. Luckily, the social security administration also has a system for appealing claims, so appealing a negative result is definitely worthwhile—the final acceptance rate for disability claims is between 40 and 63 percent.
If you find yourself out of work because of a long-term illness or injury, you definitely need to consider filing a claim for federal benefits. The process can be complex, so you may want to consider hiring an attorney who specializes in disability claims. [http://www.bfslaw.com/practice-areas/social-security.html] He or she can lead you through the process and help you get your documentation together, and very possibly will raise your chances of ultimately succeeding in your claim.