Social Security Disability benefits play a vital role in supporting Missouri residents who are unable to work due to disabilities. However, many people have misconceptions about these benefits.
These misunderstandings can prevent qualifying individuals from seeking the assistance they need. Understanding the truth behind these myths is useful for determining if you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Myth 1: You must have total disability to qualify for benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t require total disability. Instead, they consider whether your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Therefore, you may still qualify for benefits if you can perform some work, as long as your earnings don’t exceed a certain threshold.
Remember, the key is that your disability must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities for at least 12 months or will result in death.
Myth 2: Working automatically causes you to lose your benefits
Many people believe that any form of work results in the immediate loss of their Social Security Disability benefits. On the contrary, the SSA encourages beneficiaries to attempt returning to work through various work incentive programs.
If you’re an SSDI recipient, there is a Trial Work Period that allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months without losing your benefits. During this time, you can earn any amount without affecting your SSDI payments.
For SSI recipients, the rules are different but still allow for some work. You have a reduction in benefits that depends on your earnings, but you may still receive some SSI payments even while working.
Myth 3: You must wait a year after getting a disability to apply
You can and should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as a work activity disables you. The SSA simply requires your disability to be expected to last at least 12 months. The application and approval process can take several months, so start as soon as possible.
By understanding these common misconceptions, you can make more informed decisions about applying for Social Security Disability benefits. Don’t let myths prevent you from seeking the support you may have the right to receive.
