Many Florida residents are aware that the Social Security Administration offers specific programs for those living with disabilities. While Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are designed to help those suffering from disabilities related to injuries, illnesses and medical conditions. The goal of these programs is to address financial hardships caused by being able to work because of a disability.
What steps are necessary to apply for SSD and Medicare? To begin the application process, applicants should understand whether they have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. The number of work credits needed is based on which age group an applicant falls within. If you are 24-years-old or younger, you must have accumulated at least six work credits in the tree years that immediately precede your disability. If you are between 24 and 31 years of age, a work credit for each year between the age of 21 and the year you became disabled in needed. If you are 31-years-old or older, 20 work credits are needed; however, if you are 62-years-old or older, 40 work credits are needed.
Next, an applicant must prove and document their income. He or she must make $1,170 or less a month to qualify. An applicant must also prove that they have a disability. Whether it is a medical, mental or physical disability, medical documentation and records must support this. Finally, an applicant’s disability must be severe.
Once an applicant is approved for SSDI benefits, he or she can begin the process to obtain Medicare coverage. So long as your benefits are not taken away for any reason, an applicant is automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. On the 25th month of receiving consecutive SSDI payments, and applicant in enrolled in Medicare Part B. Premiums for this program and taken directly from your SSDI benefit check.
It is important to note that if a SSDI recipient refuses Medicare Part A, he or she will lose and Social Security benefits, which includes SSDI benefits. Additionally, if you decide to keep Medicare Part A but decline Medicare Part B, you are not eligible to apply for other health insurance coverage.
Applying for SSDI benefits can be a lengthy process and requires applicants to consider important factors. If you are initiating the process, in the middle of the process or seeking to appeal a denial, it is important to understand how to move forward with the application or appeals process.
Source: Verywell.com, “How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare,” Tanya Feke, May 22, 2017
