It can be a challenge to wind your way through the labyrinthine Social Security regulations and find out which social security benefits you are eligible to receive. To help you, here are some answers to common questions about disability benefits received through Social Security.
There are no partial disability social security benefits, since SSA is designed only for people who are completely disabled and who have been (or are expected to be) disabled for at least a year. If you wish to file for partial disability, you will need to do so through a state or local program. If SSA denies you benefits on the grounds that you are not completely disabled, this will not bar you from applying for and receiving partial disability benefits from local and state disability programs.
However, you can continue to work while receiving disability social security benefits as long as you are able to work only at a low level or for short periods of time. You total income will be taken into account by the state agency that handles your social security case. If your annual earnings fall under a certain amount, you will still be considered eligible for disability. Note that the agency will consider how much you CAN earn, not how much you DO earn: You will not be eligible for social security benefits if there is another occupation that you have the training and physical ability to perform, and you would be able to earn above the minimum income level by switching to it. You will not be pushed beyond your limits and asked to do work you are not capable of doing. The state agency takes into account applicants health, age, experience, and education when evaluating which jobs they are suited to do. If you would be able to support yourself if you switched to a better job, training and job search assistance are available
Many applicants are confused and annoyed by their social security agents request to continue seeing doctors even after they have doctors statements that there is no available medical treatment for the applicants condition. If this is what you are dealing with right now, there is an explanation! First, your regular doctors may not be able to provide all of the information the state agency needs to evaluate your case. The agency will arrange for you to see a doctor who has the specialized experience or equipment necessary to complete the examination. The visit is not for treatment; it is simply part of your case evaluation.
Second, even untreatable conditions change, and not all disabilities are permanent. Regular examinations to chart the progress of your health are essential. Your health may improve enough that you can return to work, even without medical treatment.
And third, medical breakthroughs happen every year. Why let resignation steal a possible cure from you? It is a small nuisance compared to the huge lifestyle benefits you could reap.