Houston Social Security
Disability Attorney

Photo of David Dopkin
Photo of David Dopkin

The most common misconceptions regarding social security disability

On Behalf of | Jan 13, 2021 | Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability (SSD) is available to those who are unable to earn a meaningful income due to their medical condition. There are two main types of Social Security Disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The type of benefits that you will be entitled to will largely depend on your work history.

Social Security Disability benefits can be difficult to understand for someone who has recently become disabled and is new to the application process. The following is an overview of the most common misconceptions regarding social security disability.

You need to be disabled for a year before you can apply

It’s not the case that you need to be disabled for over a year. However, you do need to show that your injury or illness is terminal, or that it will last for more than 12 months. In either of these cases, you can apply for disability benefits as soon as you are unable to work as a result of your condition.

You can’t receive workers’ compensation in addition

In theory, you can receive workers’ compensation in conjunction with SSD benefits if your disability was acquired at work. However, your SSD benefits may be reduced to offset the workers’ compensation that you are receiving. If the total income gained from these benefits exceeds 80% of your average earnings, you will have some of your SSD benefits deducted as a result.

You cannot have a job when receiving SSD

The SSA encourages people to work to the best of their ability. It is possible to have a job while receiving SSD benefits. There are capped maximums for how much you can earn before your disability benefits are revoked, however. It’s also possible to work in a trial job for up to nine months without any change to your benefits.

If you have recently become disabled or you’re suffering from a newly diagnosed condition, you should make sure to take swift action to gain the disability benefits that you are entitled to.