Collecting Social Security Benefits If You're Disabled Sometimes Tricky
Posted on:7/2/2009
Written By: Chris Robideaux
| Should you happen to be disabled and looking to collect benefits, there are some things you should be aware of. First, workers who contribute a portion of their earnings to Social Security often underestimate what it takes to reap their benefits should they become permanently disabled. |
Collecting disability benefits can often be a complicated process. Should you happen to be disabled and looking to collect benefits, there are some things you should be aware of. First, workers who contribute a portion of their earnings to Social Security often underestimate what it takes to reap their benefits should they become permanently disabled. The process can be tricky and more time-consuming than people expect, and the sluggish economy appears to be contributing to a surge in applications, experts say. Some workers who've been laid off and who re struggling with multiple debilitating health conditions may find their combined disabilities rise to the level of prohibiting them from working, said Paul Gada, personal financial planning director for Allsup, a Social Security disability claims-services company in Belleville, Ill.
"The realities of the harsh economy have forced them to come to grips with their conditions more," Gada said. "You have to do more introspection."
Applications for Social Security disability benefits rose more than 17% in the first quarter, according to Allsup, which takes a fee only if its clients receive a benefits award. There are 7.4 million people receiving disability benefits that average $1,063 a month, according to the Social Security Administration's most recent data.
The number of U.S. adults reporting a disability increased by 3.4 million between 1999 and 2005, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 47 million people, or an estimated one in five adults, report having a disability. The three most common causes are arthritis or rheumatism, back problems, and heart disease.