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Social Security FAQ for Disability
DISABILITY:
Q. I'm a 30-year-old woman and have been dividing my life between home and periods of work. How much work do I need to make sure I have Social Security disability insurance?
A. That is a good question. Some people don't realize they need recent work under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. After age 30, you must have 20 credits (5 years) of work in the 10 years before your disability started. Credits are assigned to calendar years based on the amount of your earnings for that year. In 2002, you earn one credit for every $870 in earnings, up to a maximum of four credits for the year. In 2003, that amount increases to $890. See SSA document on SSDI for more information about the time period in which you need your credits in order to qualify for disability benefits.
Q. If my disability must be expected to last at least a year in order for me to qualify, does this mean I have to wait a year to get benefits?
A. No, you don't have to wait a year after becoming disabled before you can receive benefits. You should apply for the benefits as soon as you can. If you are approved, your payments will begin after a 5-month waiting period that starts with the month Social Security decides your disability began.
Q. If I qualify, is there a time limit on how long I can receive disability benefits?
A. No. You will continue to receive your disability benefits as long as your condition keeps you from working. But your case will be reviewed periodically to see if there has been any improvement in your condition and whether you are still eligible for benefits. If you are still disabled when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefit will be automatically converted to a retirement benefit of the same amount.
Q. If I am eligible for Social Security disability benefits, am I also eligible for Medicare benefits?
A. If you receive disability benefits, you become eligible for Medicare 24 months after the first month for which you are entitled to receive a disability payment.
Please note, we cannot properly consider your
case without a valid e-mail address.
Work History:
Social Security Claim Status:
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