Do you qualify for social security benefits? Picking through the convoluted regulations can be deeply frustrating, and when you are done, you may have no better idea than before whether you qualify for benefits. These frequently asked questions will clarify which disability benefits you are eligible for, and how far your benefits will stretch.
Does SSA offer partial disability benefits?
No, Social Security does not offer disability benefits to people with partial or short term disabilities. Only people whose disability is considered complete and is expected to last more than one year are eligible for social security benefits. (Note that if you qualify for disability benefits, you may hold down a job as long as your maximum possible income is beneath a level determined by SSA.)
I cannot work as long as before or at the same skill level, so although I still have a job, my income has dropped. Can I still file for social security benefits?
Yes, if your income is lower than a certain SSA determined level, you are eligible to file for disability benefits. Social Security changes the maximum income level yearly. You can find the current limit in the official SSA web site or in official SSA booklets.
However, be aware that your earnings in your current job are not the only earnings the state agency will take into account. If you are capable of earning a higher income by changing to another job, you will not be approved for disability benefits. The state agency will take into account your medical condition, education, skills, work experience, and age when determining whether you could move to another job, so you will not be required to do work that you are not well enough to do or that you have not been trained to do.
My doctors say there is no treatment that can help me, so why do I have to keep going to doctors?
In the beginning, the state agency that handles your social security benefits will request that you go to doctors several times in order to get a complete evaluation of your medical condition. Your regular doctors may not be able to perform necessary tests or have equipment that is necessary to evaluate you, so you may need to visit another doctor to complete the evaluation. The state agency may help you to find the specialist you need.
After you have been ruled eligible for disability benefits, regular examinations will be necessary to track the state of your health. Because not all disabling medical conditions are permanent, your health may improve enough for you to work even without active medical care.

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by: albert.tobega
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