Social Security Administration Disability Benefits

Social Security disability benefits are something you hope you never need.

Social Security disability benefits have strict guidelines, which state that someone must be 100 percent medically disabled and the disability will last more than a year or is expected to result in death. Qualified family members--including qualified dependents and children with disabilities--may also receive Social Security disabilities payments.

When to Apply for Benefits

Apply for Social Security disability benefits as soon as possible after becoming disabled. It can take between three to five months for the initial claim to be processed and either accepted or denied. The appeals process can take up to a full year. Social Security disability payments--if approved--are paid retroactively to the date you originally applied.

Where to Apply

There are two ways to apply for Social Security disability benefits, according to the Social Security Administration: You can apply online at the Social Security website or call the agency's toll-free number (800-772-1213) to make an appointment with your local Social Security office or set up an appointment for someone to take your claim over the phone.

Social Security Disability and Other Disability Programs

If you receive disability from the Veteran's Administration, your disability benefits will not affect your Social Security disability payments. State and local government benefits will not affect the amount of Social Security disability you can receive if Social Security tax was deducted from your wages. Workers' compensation payments and other public disability payments may affect the amount of the Social Security disability benefit you are entitled to.

Figuring the Reduction

Your monthly Social Security disability benefits are combined with your workers' compensation or other public disability payment. Additionally, you must include any benefits your family members are eligible for under your Social Security disability claim. This includes children's and spouse's dependent claims. If the total amount is more than 80 percent of your average current earnings, as calculated by the Social Security Administration, your disability benefits will be reduced until it is at the 80 percent threshold. This reduction will remain in force until you reach your full retirement age.

Income Tax

Benefits from Social Security disability, including any retroactive lump-sum distributions, may also be subject to income tax depending on your filing status and gross income. Determination is based on your filing status and by adding one-half of the benefits to your gross income to see if any of the Social Security disability is taxable as income.

References

• Social Security Administration: Disability Benefits
• Social Security Administration: How Workers' Compensation And Other Disability Payments May Affect Your Benefits