Temporary Social Security Disability Could Help Recipients Return to Work
A research analysis shows that people who receive Social Security Disability immediately after application could have better success returning to work.
The study, conducted by economist Timothy Moore at the George Washington University, reported that receiving Social Security Disability benefits for around two and a half years could help those with severe drug addiction, mental health problems, and musculoskeletal problems return to work.
“The employment response is highest among those who received benefits for approximately 2.7 years prior to termination, when it is 50% larger than the employment response of individuals who received benefits for nine months (the shortest period of receipt for anyone in the sample) and 31% higher than those who received benefits for six years,” Moore wrote in his study.
He also noted that the return to work response was highest among those who began to receive Social Security Disability benefits immediately. While those who were initially rejected often returned to work faster than those who were immediately accepted, Moore ties this trend to improving health. “Those in the poorest health when entering DI were the ones who worked the most after a period on DI, which further suggests that improving health is the mechanism through which employment increased with benefit receipt,” he writes.
A recent report shows that, although Social Security Disability applications declined 6.4 percent in 2013, the fourth quarter showed a lower rate of people with disabilities returning to work or gaining employment.
“Employment opportunities for people with disabilities is an important issue as the economy continues to gain ground from the recession of a few years ago,” said Tricia Blazier, personal financial planning manager for Allsup. “It’s evident that challenges remain for those with disabilities to find stable, long-term employment.”
Although unemployment rates have been dropping, for both healthy and disabled workers, unemployment remains around 89% for disabled workers. Social Security Disability is still a hugely important safety support system for workers who suffer injuries and need time to recuperate.
Social Security Disability offers a “trial work period” of nine months, so beneficiaries can test their ability to gain and maintain employment without losing their benefits. After that, Social Security Disability recipients will have special status for 36 months, and although you cannot earn more than $1,040 a month to continue receiving disability payments, the program encourages recipients to try to keep jobs while still providing a safety net.
Proving You Need Social Security Disability Benefits
The standard of disability that must be shown is the same for both programs.
In determining disability, the test is not whether you would be offered a job, but whether there are jobs which you could perform. For those over 55 years old, new regulations allow a more realistic look at age, education, and experience in making this analysis.
For each of the major body systems, Social Security maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe, being diagnosed with one automatically qualifies you for disability. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, you will be found disabled.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Benefits Claim
Applying for Social Security Disability or Retirement Insurance can be complex. However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.
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