There is more to disability insurance than what social security offers. Some employers offer short term and long-term disability insurance; these insurance programs may be of use for those in the work world making the transition to being disabled and preparing to apply for social security disability benefits.
The information I give you today is the ‘norm’ for the workplace, the average results for my research on disability insurances provided by many companies. To know specifically what your company offers for short and long-term disability protection, you may need to check your employer provided benefits package or check with your human resource department.
Our first look at short-term disability insurance shows that it is just what the name implies, for short-term use; typically 6 months or less while you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Short-term disability will usually start after using any accumulated sick leave and payment is normally 60% of your base salary.
Looking at long-term disability insurance, this type may protect you from catastrophic illness or injury when purchased from an independent company. If provided by a workplace employer, this type of insurance will have many more provisions and probably more limitations.
These differences, between privately purchased and workplace provided, include the length of time you may be eligible to receive the payments and more stipulations for how payments are provided.
When your workplace provides either insurance, often there is a stipulation that if you receive payment from other sources or receive social security disability payments, you may be required to repay the money you received in disability payments.
Knowing these differences is a GREAT reason to educate yourself as much as possible on the ins-and-outs of social security disability insurance (SSDI) by taking my FREE mini-course.
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Brian
Understanding Continuing Disability Reviews: Key Updates and Guidance
Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the critical topic of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), which are essential for individuals receiving disability benefits. The focus today is on recent statistics and personal anecdotes that highlight the ongoing importance of staying informed about CDRs.
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is a routine process for individuals who have been approved for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts these reviews to determine if the health of a beneficiary has improved to the point where they can return to work, and thus no longer qualify for benefits.
Recent Case and Discussion
Recently, a case surfaced involving a person who had been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for end-stage kidney failure since they were 20. Despite their condition remaining unchanged, they received a notification of health improvement at age 50 and were at risk of losing their benefits. This situation underscores the unpredictability and significance of understanding the CDR process.
How CDRs Work
During a CDR, beneficiaries might be asked to complete a short or long form detailing their current health status. The forms are then reviewed, and if further information is needed, a full medical review may be initiated. It's crucial for recipients to respond promptly to any communications from the SSA to avoid complications or cessation of benefits.
Statistics and Trends
In 2022, approximately 1.5 million of the estimated 9 million disability recipients underwent CDRs. Of these, about 125,000 had their benefits terminated. These statistics reflect a consistent review rate, with an apparent annual increase in the number of reviews conducted, emphasizing the necessity for beneficiaries to stay vigilant.
Key Takeaways
Stay Informed: Always keep your contact information up to date and pay close attention to all correspondence from the SSA. Missing a notification or failing to respond can lead to benefit termination.
Understand the Review Frequency: Depending on the expectation of medical improvement, reviews may occur more frequently. Typically, conditions considered likely to improve are reviewed sooner and more often.
Prepare Adequately: If a review is scheduled, ensure all medical documentation is current and complete. Understanding the review process and preparing accordingly can significantly affect the outcome.
Seek Expert Advice: Engaging with professionals who specialize in disability rights and CDRs can provide crucial support and guidance. For instance, next week, we will feature an in-depth discussion with Attorney James Mitchell Brown, a veteran in the field of social security disability.
Conclusion
Continuing Disability Reviews are a standard part of the disability benefits process, but they can be daunting. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, beneficiaries can navigate these reviews successfully. Remember, the goal is not only to retain benefits but also to ensure that the support aligns correctly with the individual’s current health needs.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights in our upcoming posts, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or for further information.
Brian
The FREE Local Resource That 87% of People Don’t Know About (That Could Make or Break Your Disability Benefits)
Brian
The Spoon Theory: A Real-Life Guide to Managing Energy with Chronic Illness
Brian
What To Do If SSA Surveillance Leads to a Mistake — And You’re Blamed for It
