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SSD information isn’t always front and center

On Behalf of | Jun 4, 2014 | Social Security Administration News

In today’s political climate, the current discussion about Social Security – or the eternal discussion, as some people may say – is usually focused on the retirement benefits aspect of this important financial safety net. Social Security Disability seemingly never gets its far-share of debate, unless it is from a negative viewpoint. But, as a recent article indicated, while the retirement benefits aspect of Social Security usually garners the most attention, the more SSD information people have the more they may appreciate how this aspect of Social Security can benefit millions of Americans.

One of the main problems, however, is that many people simply do not know whether or not they are eligible to apply for SSD benefits. After all, as advances in medicine improve longevity and the survival rate after serious accidents, there are more Americans than ever who are living with at least some minor physical or mental ailment. What is a basic definition of what is considered a “disability” by the Social Security administration?

The recent article provided what is probably the simplest explanation: if a person’s disability is expected to last at least one year, that is the starting point. Of course, there is still an evaluation process that all applicants must go through, because there are a number of requirements to meet before someone can be declared eligible to receive SSD benefits.

As with most things, information is power. If any of our Los Angeles readers thought that Social Security was solely about retirement benefits, they may be pleasantly surprised to hear about SSD benefits if they believe they are eligible. Getting the right information about eligibility requirements and how the Social Security administration goes about determining disability can be very useful for someone who could use the financial resources SSD benefits provide.

Source: The Palm Beach Post, “SOCIAL SECURITY: Agency offers more than retirement benefits,” Maria Diaz, May 29, 2014

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