Most Los Angeles workers probably do not even think about the fact that some of the deductions that are taken out of their paychecks are contributions to the Social Security Disability (SSD) fund. That is, they probably do not think about it until they find themselves in a position where they need to rely on SSD benefits. For those Los Angeles residents who have earned enough work credits and who have a disability that will keep them from returning to work for at least 12 months, it can be a good idea to apply for these benefits that they are entitled.
In an ideal world, the benefits that are paid out to disabled workers by the Social Security Administration (SSA) would be enough to completely compensate for the lack of an ability to earn an income. Replacing income with SSD benefits when the need arises is one of the goals of the Social Security Disability program. But, in many cases, the benefits that are paid out are not quite enough to match the income that was being earned prior to the onset of the disability. When that is the case, many people will have to make changes.
Of course, a disability will cause a Los Angeles resident to make significant changes. And, there is a chance that some forced changes may cancel out lost income — changes like no longer being required to pay for transportation to work and back, medical bills that may be covered or having a lower income result in a lower tax burden overall for the family. These factors may balance out.
At our law firm, we do our best to help Los Angeles residents who are seeking to replace the income they have lost with SSD benefits. For more information, please visit the Social Security Disability benefits overview section of our law firm’s website.