What Can You Own on Social Security Disability? Social Security offers two types of disability benefits. Under Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI), there are no limitations for income or assets. However, under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, there are very specific limitations for income, assets and resources.
What You Can Own Under Social Security Disability Insurance?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked for a certain number of years. Any worker with a valid Social Security number who paid into Social Security may file. Therefore, there are no limits to the amount of assets, cash or resources you own. Additionally, there aren’t any limits to the amount of income you or your spouse makes. Keep in mind that if you are making more than a certain amount by working or in self-employment, you will not qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Social Security defines disability as the inability to work.
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability: Unearned Income?
Unearned income is money that is earned outside of a job. Under SSDI, you can receive income from other sources and still qualify to receive benefits. Examples of unearned income include:
Income from retirement accounts, dividends or stocks
Unemployment benefits
Rental income
Alimony or child support
Example 1: what you can own under SSDI
For example, Sam worked for many years as a cook. He stopped working due to a back injury. He is married and his wife still works. Sam has a retirement account. He also owns and rents another property. Sam earned enough work credits to qualify to apply for SSDI. Therefore, his wife’s income, retirement account and rental property won’t interfere with his ability to file for SSDI.
What Can You Own Under Social Security Disability?
SSI pays monthly benefits for disabled adult and children. It is a needs-based program. Unlike SSDI, Social Security will consider your income, assets and resources. To meet the SSI income requirements,
You must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Have a very limited income
Are a US citizen (there are very few exceptions to this)
What counts towards the Social Security Disability asset limits?
Social Security calls assets “resources.” Resources include money but also something that you own and can turn into cash. Resources include:
Cash or any money in a checking or savings account
Life insurance policies, stocks, bonds or retirement accounts
Household goods and personal items over $2,000, including additional motor vehicles (Social Security won’t count one motor vehicle)
Other factors that may affect SSI
Social Security will consider income from your spouse. This is called “deeming income” and applies to spouses earning over $392 per month. If you have children, the threshold increases by $392 for each child. Additionally, Social Security may reduce SSI benefits if you receive free room and board. Social Security can reduce benefits as much as 1/3 for free or reduced room and board. However, if you have a contract promising to repay the value of your room and board, it may be considered a loan and not counted against you.
Example 2: what you can own under SSI
For example, Sara hasn’t worked for many years. She does not have enough work credits to file for SSDI. Sara lives with her parents. She also receives food stamps. Sara can’t work due to severe depression and anxiety. Since Sara’s only income is from food stamps, she can file for SSI.
Example 2: What You Can Own Under Social Security Disability?
As another example, Don also hasn’t worked for several years and he doesn’t have enough work credits to file for SSDI. Don can’t work because he has several medical conditions. However, Don is married and his wife works. Unfortunately, his wife’s income prevents Don from filing for SSI benefits.
What doesn’t count towards the SSI asset limits?
Your home and property
Your car – you can have one car excluded from the asset limits if you need it for transportation
Support payments such as state or local relocation programs, crime victim’s assistance, earned income tax credit payments, grants or scholarships for school and child tax credit payments
Special accounts such as ABLE accounts, PASS savings and IDA savings
Burial savings up to $1,500 in value plus burial plots for your immediate family
Income limits for SSI
Generally, Social Security counts income differently than what you might think. Countable income includes wages from working. It also includes money you get from other sources like money from friends or family or unemployment. It also includes free food or shelter. The income limit for SSI is the federal benefit rate (FBR). The FBR is $783 per month for an individual and $1,175 for a couple in 2020.
Whose Income Counts for Social Security Disability?
Under SSI, Social Security considers the income of people you live with when calculating your countable income. If you live with a spouse, part of your spouse’s income will be included. For disabled children, Social Security counts part of the parents’ income as the child’s own.
What Can You Own on Social Security Disability? How Is Income Counted?
Social Security doesn’t count all income toward the SSI limit. If you are working and need special impairment-related work expenses, you can deduct these expenses from your income. For example, if you need special transportation to get to work, Social Security will deduct the cost from your income. Other types of non-countable income include:
The first $20 of most kinds of income your receive each month
Food stamps
Tax refunds
Public benefits based on need
Loans that you have to repay
Earned Income Exclusions for Social Security Disability?
Social Security will also reduce your countable income with certain income exclusions. Specifically, Social Security excludes the first $0 of income and $65 in earned income. They also deduct one-half of all earnings over $65 per month. For example, if you make $1,500 per month, Social Security will deduct the first $65. Then, Social Security deducts half of the rest of the earnings. It looks like:
$1,500-$20 = $1,480
$1,480-65 = $1,415
$1,415 divided by half = $707.50
$707.50 is under the federal benefit rate of $783. However, your income will be subtracted from the SSI rate. Therefore, you would receive $75.50 per month in SSI benefits.
Under Social Security’s earned income exclusions, you can earn a maximum of $1,650 per month and still qualify for SSI. Generally, a couple can have about $2,400 in earned monthly income and still receive a payment from SSI. Additionally, Social Security won’t count about $7,600 of any disabled student’s yearly income.
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Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be frustrating and takes a lot of time. Unfortunately, Social Security denies a lot of applications. In some cases, it can take several months to years before a case is approved. However, you can follow some tips that can help you.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 1: Understanding what you are applying for
Social Security offers two different types of disability benefits. First, Social Security offers disability insurance benefits (SSDI) for people who have worked. You must have earned enough work credits to apply for SSDI benefits. Second, Social Security offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for people who meet certain financial requirements. You must be of low income, assets and resources to apply. Both types of benefits require that your medical conditions keep you from working for at least 12 months. You cannot file for SSDI or SSI if you are still working.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 2: Understand the disability process
The disability application process can take several months before you receive a decision. Therefore, you should file your application as soon as you can’t work. Your local Social Security office processes your application. However, they do not make any decisions on your claim. Instead, your claim is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS assigns a claims adjudicator. The claims adjudicator will:
Gather your medical records
Send you additional forms
Schedule an appointment with a Social Security doctor if necessary
Once DDS receives all of your medical records, a Social Security doctor reviews your file. They determine what you can do despite your medical impairments, known as your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC determines whether you qualify for disability benefits.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 3: Be prepared when filing your application
Naturally, disability applications require a lot of information. Providing complete information gives you a better chance of winning your case. Most importantly, you should provide all of your medical treatment information on your application. This should include all doctors you have seen for the conditions interfering with your ability to work. It should also include any emergency room or hospital visits. However, you should only provide treatment information for the time that you have been unable to work.
Providing your work history
You will also need to provide your work history. Social Security only requires your work history for the last 15 years. You should provide a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work accurately. This work history should include:
The date you last worked
The name of your previous employers
Your job title
The dates that you approximately worked for each employer
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 4: Getting your doctor to complete an RFC form
Your treating doctors should complete an RFC form even if you think your medical evidence is strong. Many times, medical records don’t clearly translate how your symptoms cause problems doing things. Your doctor’s RFC form should be as detailed as possible. It should include both physical and mental limitations. A simple statement that you cannot work will not be enough.
Generally, Social Security disability requires that your medical conditions keep you from working at all. However, Social Security uses a chart called the Medical-Vocational guidelines to evaluate your disability claim. These guidelines are known as the “grid rules”. The grid rules make it easier for older people to win their case. Typically, if you are over the age of 50, the grid rules can allow Social Security to approve your case even if you can do other work. The rules are even more favorable if you are over age 55.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 6: Stay in Treatment
You must provide proof that your medical conditions interfere with your ability to work. Therefore, you need to see your doctors regularly for your conditions. If you don’t see your doctors, Social Security can’t evaluate your conditions. Additionally, you should follow all recommendations and take medications as prescribed. If you don’t follow your doctors’ recommendations, Social Security could deny your case.
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability 7: Get Treatment with Specialists
Typically, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. This can especially be true for any mental health impairments. Generally, receiving medication from your primary doctor will not be enough to document your mental health conditions.
Check on the Status of Your Claim
Checking on the status of your claim can be important. It allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. You can check to make sure your doctors’ records were received. You should confirm that they received any forms you completed. Lastly, it ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Appeal Denials
Tips for Getting SSDI Disability. Social Security often denies claims. You should appeal any denials. Re-filing a new application doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. It only can delay the appeals process. Frequently, Social Security denies you for the same reasons. Your changes for getting approved improve when you appeal an unfavorable decision. In fact, most cases have the best chance for approval at the hearing level.
Work With a Disability Advocate
Navigating the Social Security disability process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Social Security requires a lot of information and paperwork. Working with an experienced disability advocate ensures that Social Security gets the information they need to process your claim. You disability advocate walks you the process and answers all of your questions. They regularly check on the status of your case, files any necessary appeals, valuable advantage at the hearing level.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions. Crohn’s disease can cause debilitating symptoms. Some people can effectively control their Crohn’s disease with medications. However, others continue to have ongoing and severe symptoms despite treatment. If your Crohn’s disease symptoms keep you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in your digestive tract. This can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease can also cause bowel obstructions. These symptoms can often fluctuate between periods of inactivity and flare-ups. Similar conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Getting Disability for Crohn’s Disease
Social Security considers severe Crohn’s disease a significant impairment. However, you must show that have severe symptoms. They must interfere with your normal daily activities. Additionally, your Crohn’s disease must keep you from working for at least 12 months.
Social Security’s Listing for Crohn’s Disease
Social Security provides a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book”. The Blue Book provides specific conditions that you must meet to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security looks at Crohn’s disease under Listing 5.06 for inflammatory bowel disease.
Meeting Listing 5.06
First, you must have a diagnosis of IBD or Crohn’s. Next, Social Security breaks down the listing into an either/or requirement. To meet the listing, your Crohn’s may meet the listing under either 5.06A or 5.06B.
Under 5.06A, you must have a bowel obstruction in the small intestine or colon with dilation and swelling. Additionally, Social Security requires:
A hospitalization for surgery at least two times
At least 60 days apart
Within a consecutive 6 month period
Example 1: meeting listing 5.06A
For example, your Crohn’s disease has caused a bowel obstruction in January. You have been hospitalized and had to have surgery. You have another bowel obstruction in April, requiring another hospitalization and surgery. Since, you had two hospitalizations and surgeries within a 6 month consecutive period, you may meet Listing 5.06A.
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions: Listing 5.06B
Alternatively, your Crohn’s disease may meet the listing under 5.06B. This requires that you meet two conditions. You must also meet two of these conditions within a consecutive 6 month period.
Severe anemia with hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL in two blood tests 60 days apart
Low levels of serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less two times 60 days apart
A tender abdominal mass with abdominal pain and cramping not controlled by prescribed pain medication, present on two exams at least 60 days apart
Perineal disease with an abscess or fistula with pain not controlled by pain medication at least two times 60 days apart
Involuntary weight loss of at least 10% on two exams at least 60 days apart
The need for a feeding tube or feeding by central venous catheter
What if my Crohn’s disease doesn’t meet listing 5.06?
You may still qualify for disability benefits if you don’t meet the listing. Next, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do despite your conditions. Particularly, Social Security considers:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an 8 hour work day
How much weight you can lift or carry
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence or pace
If you can show up to work consistently, arrive on time or have to leave early
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions
Crohn’s disease can cause difficulty holding on to a full-time job. The pain may interfere with your ability to bend, squat or lift and carry items. Your symptoms may cause problems staying in one position to perform work for long periods of time. You may also need to take frequent trips to the bathroom. This can result in problems getting your work done. You may also have to call out of work frequently during flare-ups.
Example 2: Crohn’s disease work restrictions
For example, Joe’s Crohn’s disease causes nearly daily abdominal pain. He also uses the bathroom frequently due to bouts of diarrhea. Joe often has to leave his work station to use the bathroom. He has to call out several times a month due to flare-ups. Social Security finds that employers would unlikely keep Joe as an employee due to his frequent and severe symptoms. Therefore, Joe qualifies for Social Security disability due to his Crohn’s disease.
Documenting your Crohn’s Work Restrictions
Social Security needs a record of your medical evidence. This includes clinical and laboratory findings. It should also include imaging studies. For example, you should provide endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, CAT scans and/or MRIs. You should also provide any operative reports. Additionally, Social Security looks at your treatment and your response to treatment. You should see your doctor regularly and follow all treatment recommendations. You must have ongoing and consistent treatment in order for Social Security to approve your disability claim.
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Filing for Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming. There is a lot of paperwork. Unfortunately, Social Security only approves approximately 35% of claims. There are some things you can do to help get approved for disability benefits.
Make sure your application is complete
Before starting your disability application, make sure that you’re prepared. Social Security needs quite a bit of information to process your claim. Social Security has a checklist that you can follow. An experienced disability advocate can help you prepare filing your disability claim. Your chances improve when you give Social Security complete information. Missing information can often lead to a denial.
What information do I need to complete my application?
Most importantly, you must provide your doctors’ information and work history. You should provide all of the doctors you’ve seen since you stopped working or became unable to work. Medical information should also include any emergency room visits or hospital admissions. Additionally, you must provide your work history. Social Security only asks for jobs you’ve done in the last 15 years.
Getting approved for disability benefit by cooperating with Social Security
You need to cooperate with Social Security to be approved for disability benefit, should go to any medical appointments Social Security schedules. You will have forms to complete. These forms ask questions about your daily activities. They also ask for additional information about your past work. Often, Social Security will deny you if you don’t complete these forms. They will also deny you if you don’t go to any medical examinations. Correspondingly, you want to give Social Security a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work properly.
Example 1: How to be approved for disability benefits
Imagine, George filed for disability benefits. On his application, he listed his past work as a supervisor in a warehouse. Social Security needed more information about his job duties. Particularly, they needed to know if he hired or fired other employees. George provided a detailed description of his job. Social Security could properly categorize his past work. Based on the additional information, Social Security approved George’s disability benefits.
Maintain medical treatment
You must provide medical evidence to document any problems related to your medical conditions. You must show that your symptoms cause a serious problem in your functioning. Therefore, you should see your doctors regularly for all of your medical conditions. You should also make sure to follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations. This includes taking medications as prescribed. It also includes attending all appointments. Lastly, it can include following any lifestyle change recommendations.
Getting approved for disability benefits with the right medical evidence
Generally, medical evidence includes your doctor’s treatment notes, test results and imaging. As a rule, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. Typically, your doctor can provide an opinion with a residual functional capacity or RFC form.
Example 2: how to be approved for disability benefits
Namely, Ashley suffers from depression and low back pain. She sees a psychiatrist and therapist regularly. They document that Ashley’s depression continue despite regular therapy and medications. She also sees an orthopedist for her back pain. Her orthopedist ordered MRIs and x-rays of her back documenting degenerative disc disease. Treatment notes also show serious problems with her range of motion. Both doctors provide RFC forms showing Ashley’s depression and pain cause significant problems with her functioning. Social Security reviews all of her evidence and finds that she can no longer work. Ashley is approved for disability benefits.
Follow up on the status of your disability claim
Checking on the status of your disability claim allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. It lets you know if Social Security doesn’t have important medical records. You can confirm that they received your completed forms. It also ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
File appeals
You may think filing a new claim can be better than appealing a denied claim. Rather, you should appeal any denials. Re-filing doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. This only delays the appeals process. Social Security could deny you for the same reasons. Your chances for getting disability benefits improve when you appeal any denials. This can be especially true if you have to request a disability hearing.
Getting approved for disability benefits with a disability advocate
Hiring an experienced disability advocate can increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits. First, a disability advocate helps you with your disability application or appeal. They can make sure that you provide all important information to Social Security. Second, your disability advocate explains the process. They know what it takes to get a claim approved. Lastly, they file any necessary appeals. Working with a disability advocates gives you an advantage at the hearing level. Your disability advocate prepares you for hearing. They also review your file. They help get any additional evidence that you may need to get approved for disability benefits.
Disability Help Group: Winning case study
To enumerate, Robert filed an application for disability benefits. He was unable to work after he suffered a stroke. Robert was denied for disability benefits. Ultimately, he had to file a request for hearing. Robert hired Disability Help Group (DHG) for assistance. His DHG advocate reviewed his file. Based on the medical records, she submitted a brief to the judge with reasons why Robert should be approved for disability benefits. The judge agreed and approved Robert’s case.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is the SSDI Back Pay Calculator? Frequently, if Social Security approves your disability claim, you will receive back pay. Back pay refers to the payments for months between your application date and your approval date. Social Security calls to your approval date as your onset date. Sometimes, back pay can go back further than the filing date. Several factors considered include:
Your disability onset date
Your application date
The five month mandatory waiting period for SSDI
SSDI vs. SSI
Social Security offers two types of disability benefits. To qualify for disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you must have worked a certain number of years. To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain financial requirements. Many times, you can qualify to apply for both types of benefits. For example, you worked for many years. However, once you stopped working, you no longer have an income. You now rely on food stamps and help from family members. Since you paid into Social Security, you can file for SSDI. Additionally, you meet the financial requirements for SSI because you don’t have any income or assets. You will want to use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
SSDI back pay
Under Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you can receive benefits back to the application date. However, you can also qualify to receive retroactive benefits. Retroactive benefits are paid for the months between when you became disabled and when you applied for benefits. Additionally, retroactive benefits can go back one year before the application filing date. It is important to use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
Example: SSDI back pay and retroactive benefits
For example, Sue filed for benefits on June 1, 2019. Social Security found that she became disabled back in January 2018. However, her retroactive benefits can only go back to June 2018, one year before she filed her application.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
Social Security does not pay back pay for the first five months after your disability began. You start receiving benefits at the beginning of the sixth month. Typically, the 5 month wait period can be much shorter than the time it takes for Social Security to approve your application.
Example: SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
As another example, Don was found disabled as of January 2020. Social Security approved Don’s claim in September 2020. Don has to wait five months from January before his benefits start. Therefore, his back pay goes back to June 2020.
Back pay for SSI
Unlike SSDI, Social Security doesn’t pay retroactive benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Social Security cannot pay you before your filing date. Under SSI, back pay starts one month after the filing date.
Example: back pay for SSI
Sarah filed for SSI benefits in January 2020. She told Social Security that she became disabled in August 2017. Social Security found Sarah disabled. However, her back pay started in February 2020, the month after she filed for SSI benefits.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: Back pay and your onset date
When you file for disability benefits, you tell Social Security when you became disabled. Social Security refers to this date as your alleged onset date. Generally, your onset date should be the date you stopped working. It can also be the date of an injury or illness. When Social Security finds you disabled, this date becomes your established onset date (EOD). Your EOD also determines when your back pay starts.
When Social Security finds a different onset date
Sometimes, your EOD doesn’t match your alleged onset date. This happens when Social Security finds that your disability began on a different date than what you put on your application. Common reasons Social Security finds a different EOD include:
A change in age categories – there are more favorable rules for disability the older you are. Specifically, they are more favorable for people over the age of 50. Therefore, Social Security can find you disabled once you reach the older age category.
Medical records and treatment – Social Security relies on medical records to decide if you qualify for disability benefits. So if your treatment started later, your condition worsened over time or if something new happened, Social Security can find you disabled at a later date based on your medical records.
Example: back pay and your EOD based on your age
For example, Donna filed for disability benefits. She told Social Security her disability started in February 2019. However, she turned 50 years old in September 2019. Social Security found she met the disability requirements when she turned 50. As a result, her back pay started in March 2020, five months after her established onset date. This is how you use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
Example: back pay and your EDO based on your medical records
Gary filed for disability benefits due to back pain. He told Social Security his disability started in October 2018, when he stopped working. Gary didn’t start seeing a doctor until February 2019. He continued to see his doctor regularly. His doctor ordered an MRI of his back in March 2019. The MRI showed severe degenerative disc disease. Hemet the disability requirements based on the MRI report. Therefore, his established onset date was March 2019. His back pay started in September 2019.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: How does Social Security pay your back pay?
Social Security pays your back pay in lump sums. However, Social Security releases your back pay in different ways for SSDI and SSI. For SSDI, Social Security sends you one lump sum payment. This includes all of your back pay and retroactive benefits. Unlike SSDI, Social Security sends your SSI back pay in installments. They split these installments into three payments. Social Security sends these installments six months apart. Social Security does this because you cannot have more than $2000 at any time in order to receive your current monthly SSI payment.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
