| It takes an understanding of the basics of Social | | | | In addition to the freedom from specific income limits, |
| Security to submit an application to the SSA. Most | | | | there are four great benefits that come with receiving |
| people understand that Disability Insurance, or SSDI | | | | SSDI. |
| (sometimes called Title II) are for individuals who have | | | | 1) Medicare. Medical benefits are a fantastic bonus, |
| worked in the past but are unable to do so anymore, | | | | especially since they are usually sorely needed by |
| or at least for an extended period of time. They also | | | | those who are found disabled. Regardless of age, |
| know that monthly checks will come from Social | | | | once you have been receiving Disability Insurance for |
| Security (if approved), as well as a back benefits | | | | two years, you are eligible for both hospital and |
| check. However, many people don't know that there's | | | | medical benefits. And those who are eligible for |
| a lot more than financial assistance when it comes to | | | | Medicare are now also eligible for prescription |
| Disability Insurance. | | | | coverage. |
| First of all, when you compare SSDI to another Social | | | | 2) Dependent Benefits. When an individual receives |
| Security program called SSI, or Supplemental Security | | | | Disability benefits and has children under 18, the children |
| Income, there is a lot more freedom. SSI requires that | | | | may be eligible for benefits as well. |
| the entire household not exceed a specified income | | | | 3) COBRA extension. Disability recipients receiving |
| limit, or the SSI benefits will be cut off. There are also | | | | COBRA can extend their coverage from 18 to 29 |
| restrictions on assets. Social Security Disability | | | | months. |
| Insurance, however, doesn't even look at income or | | | | 4) Retirement Benefits. Receiving Social Security |
| assets, but rather work credits. Work credits are just a | | | | disability "freezes" Social Security earnings records |
| way to determine if you have worked enough to pay | | | | during your period of disability. Because those years |
| adequate income taxes into the system. Of course, | | | | will not be counted when computing future benefits, |
| both programs require that you are found disabled. | | | | your Social Security retirement benefits will be higher. |
| And many people are eligible for both programs | | | | Wherever you are in the Social Security Disability |
| concurrently. | | | | process, best of luck. |