In the world today, one billion people, or 15% of its population, suffer some form of disability, while one fifth of this total, more than 110 million, suffers significant disabilities.
In addition to suffering from a disability those people also suffer poorer social outcomes like poor health, more unemployment and a higher poverty level. Children with disabilities also have a higher chance of being victims of violence.
Why an Awareness Day?
The United Nations has declared an International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December to promote disability awareness. Experience has shown that when barriers to disabled people are removed, persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal life and their entire community benefits.
Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are, therefore, unfavorable to society as a whole, and accessibility is necessary to achieve progress and development for all.
How Can a Someone with a Disability Qualify for Disability Benefit?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) both pay benefits to people that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers are disabled. They are available to people with physical and mental impairments which prevent them from taking part in their usual occupations or any other substantial work. To be eligible for either SSDI or SSI, the disability should persist for at least 12 months or result in death.
SSDI is a benefit based on earnings and the paying of Social Security taxes. How long you have to work to be eligible depends on your age when you become disabled. Adults who have been disabled since childhood may also qualify for SSDI on a parent's record even if they never have worked.
Each year a worker can accumulate up to 4 work credits from their Social Security taxes and if the person with a disability is over 62 years he or she will have to have earned 40 work credits which means they need to have completed at least 10 years of work to qualify for SSDI.
You don’t need work credits to qualify for SSI but your income and other financial resources, like bank accounts and property need to be limited to qualify for SSI. In 2021, the income limit is $794 a month for an individual and $1,191 a month for a couple who file for SSI jointly.
These amounts are also the maximum amount of the federal SSI benefit payment. The limit allowed for resources is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. However, the SSA does exempt the value of the home you live in.
One way to qualify for either SSDI or SSI is the medical condition that causes the disability being listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. This is the guide used by the SSA to arrive at a decision for applicants who have filed a claim for disability benefits.
If your medical condition does not have a listing you may still be eligible for disability benefits if your doctor conducts a Residual Functioning Capacity test which assesses your ability to perform both physical and mental tasks.
Get Assistance with Your Disability Claim
If you or someone is disabled, you may qualify for disability benefits. Find out today. Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
