Before Applying for SSD - Eligibility

If you are having health problems that have made working impossible and you are nearing the age of 62, you may think deciding to retire early may be the best option.

However, you need to look at the overall picture and determine whether early retirement or applying for Social Security disability would be the best option in your given situation. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very specific guideline regarding retirement benefits and disability benefits.

If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, you may be pondering the idea of getting an attorney or advocate to help you with your claim. You may wonder if the only time an attorney is beneficial is at the hearing before the administrative law judge, so you may be tempted to put off getting an attorney until you reach that point.

However, an attorney or advocate can be very helpful throughout the entire claims process. You can benefit significantly by consulting with an advocate or attorney early on, even before filing your claim.

The effect that additional income has on benefit eligibility, payment amounts, or other factors is determined by the kind of disability benefits for which you’re applying. Although there’s a financial review required during the disability claims process, only some income matters, and even then, only under certain circumstances.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a need-based program, which means financial circumstances play a major role in not only eligibility but also the amount of your monthly benefit payments.

As a person with low vision or vision loss, you potentially qualify for disability benefits. Before you can begin receiving monthly payments however, you’ll need to apply and be approved for disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides tools and options to assist individuals with low vision and other disabilities, including:

Disability benefits are intended to support people who are unable to work due to a serious, long-term medical condition. Some disabilities are intermittent in nature, causing periods of more pronounced physical or intellectual limitations. These kinds of conditions may or may not qualify for benefits, and while you can always apply, the Social Security Administration (SSA) often quickly denies applicants that don’t meet the basic eligibility requirements.

Any person that meets the medical and technical eligibility rules for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) disability programs can receive benefits. As a homeless person, you’re entitled to the same application processes as anyone else, but there are definitely some challenges you’ll need to overcome in getting your application filed.

Applying for Social Security Benefits when Homeless

An online application can be filed from any internet-connected computer, and you don’t even have to complete the application yourself. Someone else can file on your behalf.

Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be your sole source of income when you’re unable to work due to a serious medical condition.

Getting by every month on what SSDI and/or SSI provides may be challenging, but benefits through these disability programs at least give you consistent income on which you can count for covering your living expenses, medical bills, and other costs.

Disability Coverage for Multiple Medical Conditions

Disability may be paid through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and benefits through both of these programs are available to qualified, disabled immigrants. If you satisfy all the requirements, SSDI and/or SSI will give you monthly income, allowing you to meet your financial needs and obligations.

SSDI Eligibility for Immigrants

Disability benefits may be a lifeline for you and your family when a serious medical condition stops you from working or significantly decreases your earnings ability.

Getting approved can sometimes be difficult though, and you may need an attorney’s assistance, but you also know that not just any lawyer will do. You’ll want to find a disability attorney that can help you through the entire process, including an appeal, if one is necessary.

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