Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) has always been the target of harsh criticism and misunderstanding. People who apply for SSDI often express shame over “asking for a handout” or receiving “public assistance.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. SSDI is NOT a public assistance program. It is a disability insurance program that all American workers pay into with automatic paycheck withholdings. Employees pay 6.2 percent of every paycheck to Social Security. Self-employed individuals pay 12.4 percent.
There are three things that every person contributes a portion of their paycheck to via Social Security taxes: retirement, Medicare, and disability. Everyone knows about their retirement benefits. But they are also paying for a disability policy that will cover them if they suffer an injury or illness that prevents them from working—and there is no reason that disability should be viewed any different than retirement or Medicare.
Working Americans who become unable to work and apply for SSDI are not asking for handouts but simply collecting on insurance policies they already purchased.
Another common myth that we often hear is that being awarded Social Security disability benefits is easy and most people who receive benefits are frauds. This is completely false! The Social Security Disability program is universally recognized as one of the most difficult to qualify for. However, at Pond Lehocky Disability, we can guide you through the entire process and ensure that when your case is being decided, you are in the best position to win the benefits you deserve.
Do you have a case? You are eligible for SSDI if you are:
- Out of work or earning less than $1,310 per month in gross wages;
- Dealing with medical conditions, either physical or mental, that are severe and being treated by a doctor.
- Unable to perform the work you have completed in the past because of your conditions.
- Depending on your age, cannot perform other types of work in the national economy.
This is no myth: If you are over 50 years old and are out of work because of any medical condition, you may be eligible for up to $3000.00 per month in benefits. To find out if you are eligible, call us! We are here to help.
