Disability is something most people do not like to think about. But the unfortunate reality is this: The chances that you will become disabled are probably far greater than you realize. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 3 in 10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.
Social Security pays benefits to people with disabilities through the Social Security disability insurance program, which is covered by Social Security taxes. If you qualify, you can receive a monthly disability benefit from Social Security for as long as your disability keeps you from working. The amount of your benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. After a period of time, usually after receiving cash benefits for 24 months, you can also receive Medicare coverage.
When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. The number of credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age, and some of the work must be recent. For example, if you become disabled after age 31, you need to have worked at least 10 years and five of the past 10 years. But if you become disabled before age 24, you need only one and a half years of work in the past three years.
If you have a disability that makes you unable to work, the time to get started with your application is now. That’s because it can take time to determine whether you qualify for benefits. It usually takes about three to five months for a medical decision from the state agency that evaluates your condition. Then, if your application is approved, your first Social Security disability payment will be made for the sixth full month after the date we determine that your disability began. Medicare coverage generally begins 24 months, or two years, after you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Given the time it can take, it’s in your best interest to do everything you can to speed up the process. The best first step is for you to read our online publication, Disability Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. It will tell you all about the process, including what information you will need to apply for benefits.
Then, take advantage of our online disability starter kits. You’ll find them on our disability Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability. There is one kit for children and one for adults. Each kit is available in both English and Spanish. The starter kits help you begin the process by providing information about the specific documents and the information that we will request from you. We will ask for more details during your interview or when you complete the online disability report.
Take a look at the disability starter kit now at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask that a kit be mailed to you.
Once you complete the online disability starter kit and you’re ready to apply, the most convenient way to do that is online, too, at the same site.
Seniors
Social Security: Disabled? Social Security can help
- Seniors
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Mobility devices under the ADA: free audio conference Aug. 21
The WILL Center will host a free audio conference on Tuesday, Aug. 21, on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to "other power-driven mobility devices," some examples include Segways®, golf cars and all-terrain vehicles.
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New definition places more seniors in poverty category
A Terre Haute woman in her mid-80s is a very good example of why a new Census Bureau measure reveals more seniors living in poverty.
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Wabash Senior Center planning trips for all ages
Have you ever been to Europe? How about the Canadian Rockies? The Wabash Senior Center has reserved two very special trips for people of all ages. The first trip that the Senior Center has scheduled is Dec. 9-17 to “Europe’s Christmas Markets.”
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Senior apartments complex opening this month
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Social Security: Beat the holiday rush: Go online
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Protect yourself from Social Security number fraud
If you’ve been following the news over the past week, you may have noticed reports about Social Security number fraud, specifically that there is a 1 in 7 chance that someone else may have used your number.
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Dine with a Doc Tuesday, Wednesday
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Senior Menu: Nov. 29-Dec. 3
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Social Security: Open season for Medicare program
When you think of November, you may imagine such things as turkey dinners, family gatherings, or the start of the holiday shopping season.
But newly entitled and current Medicare beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan might think of November as the time for thinking about Medicare. -
Social Security offers many benefits, wealth of info for veterans
On this Thursday we honor our nation’s veterans for their service to America.
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‘60 Plus’ group, conservative alternative to AARP, seeking to expand in Indiana
The chairman of a senior advocacy group hopes to tap into a concern over national health care to gain new members in Indiana.
James L. Martin said he started The 60 Plus Association in 1992 “as a competitor with the AARP [American Association of Retired Persons]. We are for limited government and are more right of center philosophically. The AARP is a more liberal philosophy. They sell a lot of products, we don’t. We’re hawking limited government and less taxes.” -
Planning to move? Don’t forget to contact Social Security
Moving can be hectic. Some studies show that relocating is one of the greatest stresses we face in our lives. Whether you are moving nearby or across the country, don’t forget Social Security if you are a beneficiary.
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Agency hoping for Foundation grant
Terre Haute resident Mary Baker owns an automobile, but says she can’t drive it to Indianapolis to seek medical attention.
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Groups need senior transportation info
There is a need in Vigo and surrounding counties for transportation services for medical purposes to Indianapolis, and there is a need for door-to-door evening transportation for seniors.
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Dine with a Doc at Senior Center
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wabash Senior Citizen’s Center at 300 S. 5th St. in Terre Haute.
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Social Security: Ensure retirement, disability, survivors protection for farm workers
If you’re a farm worker, it’s likely that you’re busy right now.
The spring planting season has ended, but the farm work has only begun. - Senior Menu: June 24, 2010
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Parkinson’s support group meeting Friday at Westminster Village
The Parkinson’s support group will meet Friday at Westminster Village, 1120 E. Davis Drive, Terre Haute.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: People agree, applying for Medicare online is quick, easy
We’ve been telling people how quick and easy it is to apply for Medicare benefits online – even if you’re not ready to apply for retirement benefits.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: SS helps survivors of fallen service members
Families of fallen military service members bear significant burdens from the loss of their loved one. Lives are changed forever. Aside from the emotional devastation, the financial hardships placed on such families can be difficult. Often, if a death occurs, a two-income household must make do with one income.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Attention students: Are you ready for your summer jobs?
Summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to plan for that summer job you really want.
Whether you find the perfect outdoor job at a summer camp or the local golf course, or you get to practice your people skills in retail, fast food or an amusement park, one thing’s for sure: Nothing’s better than having fun this summer while earning a few extra dollars. -
SOCIAL SECURITY: New 'twist' in law may help your mom
Mom has always been there to nurture and take care of you. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give back and look out for her. If she’s having a hard time paying for her prescription drugs, tell her about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and the extra help available through Social Security.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Call SS toll-free anytime
Telephones certainly have made our lives easier. Have you ever thought about what your life would be like without your cell phone? Now imagine life without telephones at all.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Here's to a green planet in retirement
Social Security has been practicing environmental stewardship since long before “going green” was a fashionable catch-phrase.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Ticket to Work offers free support services
Millions of disabled and blind Americans receive monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payments. Some receive both. Most also have help in paying medical bills from Medicare or Medicaid.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Most convenient SS office is online
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that times are tough for many people right now. The past year has seen a recession-driven increase in applications for Social Security retirement and disability benefit applications. These increases translate into busier offices and telephone lines.
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Social Security has rich history full of facts
When you think of Social Security, you probably think about a monthly payment for retired and disabled workers. But Social Security has a rich history full of interesting facts.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: SS shares March reminders
Time goes by so quickly, it can be easy to forget important deadlines and even easier to let critical items fall to the nether regions of your to-do list. Whether you get to everything or not, time marches on — so we’d like to share some March reminders with you.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: SS launches Open Government page
In support of President Barack Obama’s Transparency and Open Government initiative, Social Security has launched a new Open Government Web page.
- Social Security: Been thinking about Medicare Part B? If you are covered under Medicare Part A but originally opted not to apply for Medicare Part B, now’s your opportunity to enroll in Part B. The general enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 through March 31.
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