Social Security Disability provides income for those who cannot work due to their disability. While many people benefit from this program, there is a significant section of the population that may not find it attractive. There are 5 very alarming disadvantages to Social Security disability that could dissuade you from applying.
- Delay in Payment
Many people depend on consecutive monthly payments in order to live and survive. Social Security disability benefits do not begin until you have been disabled for 5 months. Because applications and payments take a few weeks to process, you likely won't receive your first payment until your sixth month of disability.
- Taxed Benefits
If you are in a certain income bracket, your SSDI payments will be taxed. This affects about one-third of SSDI recipients.
- Program Acceptance Depends on Accumulated Credits
In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have accrued at least 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned within the last 10 years. Credits are earned through annual income. The wage requirements for one credit varies year to year based on the national average wage index. However, there is a limit to how many credits you can earn in one year: a low credit of 4. This means you must have at least 10 years of work history to accrue the 40 credits necessary to qualify for SSDI.
- Strict Disability Requirements
SSDI is only given to those who are completely unable to do any kind of work. A person being unable to perform their current job is not enough to satisfy these requirements; if you are able to perform the duties of another job, you will be rejected. If you are accepted, your case will be reviewed monthly to make sure you still meet these requirements. If you are showing signs of regaining some work skills, you may be rejected for the next month of SSDI.
- Long Application Process
Applying for SSDI can take an emotional toll because of the wait and strenuous requirements. For many applicants, SSDI acceptance is their last hope. People suffering from severe disabilities are often unable to complete the application by themselves. It is wise to have someone there with you to help you through the process.
If you are unsure if you would even qualify or worried about the application demands, it may be wise to talk with your doctor or a legal professional before going through the tedious process. Though the potential income is attractive, the toll it can take on a person with severe disabilities is sometimes reason enough to avoid SSDI altogether.
