If you are unable to work because of a herniated disc, you might be able to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Each year, you will receive a statement that details the Social Security earnings to date, which will include an estimate for disability benefits. This statement provided by SSA will also include estimates for retirement benefits and survivors’ benefits, which you and your family might receive later.
What Happens When You Are Approved With A Herniated Disc?
If the Social Security Administration approves your disability claim for a herniated disc, your disability benefits will be payable for the sixth month after the date on which you were considered disabled per SSA guidelines. A herniated disc can be disabling. This is a serious back problem that is painful and debilitating, so it can keep you from being able to work and earn a living. You will need to provide hard medical evidence to support your claim by confirming the diagnosis and showing the severity of your condition.
Back Pay and Herniated Disc
An application for disability benefits because of a herniated disc can be challenging, and the supporting documentation is complex and detailed. The SSA awards back pay to claimants who are approved for disability benefits. Backpay is awarded between the date of your disability filing and the date that your claim was approved. Usually, most approved claimants get their first installment of backpay within 60 days from the date the SSA approves their disability claim.
Retroactive Payments and a Herniated Disc
Sometimes the SSA awards retroactive payments. These payments can date back as far as 12 months before the Social Security Disability application for a herniated disc was filed. This only applies if you can show the SSA you were disabled during the specified timeframe before your application was filed. Applicants who wish to receive retroactive disability benefit for a herniated disc must prove that they met the criteria to be legally disabled for at least 5 months before their disability application was filed.
How To Calculate How Much You Could Receive With A Herniated Disc
The amount of monthly disability benefits that you can receive are determined by the SSA reviewing the totals that you paid in for Social Security taxes. Your earnings history will be reviewed, and from that, the SSA will determine your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). After the SSA uses your AIME to determine the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), your monthly benefits will be determined. The PIA is adjusted based on your age, which will then determine the total amount you will receive for monthly disability benefits based on a herniated disc.
Applying For Disability Benefits
If you are unable to work because of a herniated disc, you should start your disability application. You can visit www.ssa.gov or you can call 1-800-772-1213 to start your disability application. Documentation is essential to a successful disability claim.
