Comments on: Social Security Disability Benefits

By: Judith Brunson

Judith Brunson — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:41:34 +0000

My husband is getting disability payments and medicare, but his condition is at the stage where Medicare and our insurance will not pay for 24 hour care, so I had to take leave from my job to care for him, drive him to the doctor, treatments, assist with his physical care, etc. We are living on our retirement savings, but not retirement age. Suggestions? His disease is a rare genetic one that is progressive. I don’t see anywhere that offers benefits in this situation.

By: Marvin

Marvin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:52:55 +0000

When checking the SSA web site and filling out the questionaire to see if you may be eligible for disability payments, they ask how much do you have in the bank, stocks, 401k etc.
How does this affect your claim? If you are not 59 1/2, have some money in a 401k but unable to get due to age, will this make you non eligible?

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:30:31 +0000

Good synopsis. I would point out, though, that (I am a former disability claims examiner for the social security administration) that the one year rule for satisfying the SSA definition of disability can be “projected”. That is, you don’t actually have to be out of work for a year to qualify. Upon review of your medical records, a projection can be made as to the likelihood of a claimant being unable to work. Also, cases are typically set for review (“diaried”) every one, three, and seven years, depending on the severity of a claimant’s condition and the likelihood (or not) that medical improvement might occur.