How Does Social Security Disability Work?

How Does Social Security Disability Work?

Can you imagine living someplace where you were 100% responsible for your economic security, no matter your age or health, with no government to bail you out if you become seriously injured or ill?

Fortunately, if you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t have to worry about this happening. Thanks to a program called Social Security, the U.S. government is determined to ensure that its citizens are taken care of during times of poor health.

Since there’s confusion around how the Social Security program works, we’re going to give you some basic information that every American should know.

How is Social Security funded?
Social Security receives its funding by pooling mandatory contributions from all workers into one large pot, and then paying those benefits to eligible claimants.

Everyone who works pays into the system by having a portion of their earnings taxed for Social Security. Later, when you become eligible for Social Security disability or retirement benefits, you collect them instead of paying others’ benefits.

According to the Social Security Administration, $0.85 of every Social Security tax dollar is deposited into a trust fund that pays monthly benefits to retirees, their families, surviving spouses, or children of eligible recipients who died. The remaining $0.15 goes towards paying benefits for disabled individuals and their families.

Who can collect Social Security Disability?
You can collect Social Security Disability benefits if you become disabled. The SSA has a very strict definition of “disability.” In order for the SSA to consider someone disabled, they must have a disabling condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Not just anyone can receive SSD benefits; in order for you to collect disability benefits, you must have earned enough “credits,” meaning you must have worked enough and paid into the system. For example, if you are age 30, you’ll need about 2 years of work experience. If you’re 50, you’ll need 7 years of work experience.

Dallas Social Security Disability Lawyer

Are you interested in learning more about Social Security Disability benefits? If so, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm for professional assistance. We can answer all of your questions and if you decide to apply, we can streamline the process so it goes as smooth and efficient as possible!