If you have an injury or illness that makes it impossible for you to work, you may qualify for disability benefits in Indiana. The Social Security Administration has several different types of benefit programs to help people who can’t work. Disability benefits, or SSDI, is a program that helps people who have worked before but can’t work now. The money from disability benefits can be used to pay for any living or medical expenses without restrictions.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Indiana
The definition of disability in Indiana is the same as the definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration. In order to be considered disabled a person must be unable to engage in any type of substantial gainful activity because of a mental or physical condition that is either expected to result in death or is expected to last for at least 12 continuous months.
If you meet that definition because you have a physical or mental health condition that is recognized by the SSA you may be approved for Social Security disability benefits.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Indiana?
The Social Security Administration recognizes more than 200 physical and mental health conditions as disabling. All of the conditions that qualify someone to receive disability benefits are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. You can search through the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can view a copy at your local SSA office.
Every condition listed in the Blue Book also has a set of very specific requirements. You must meet those requirements and submit medical documentation showing that you meet those requirements or your application for benefits won’t be approved.
You also must have work credits to be eligible for disability benefits in Indiana. You earn work credits based on the total time you’ve worked. You can earn up to four work credits per year each year that you work.
When you fill out your application for disability benefits in Indiana you will need to show that you meet the Blue Book requirements for the condition that you have, that you have the amount of work credits required, and that you expect to be unable to work for at least a year.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Indiana
There are two types of disability benefits available in Indiana. You may qualify for either SSDI or SSI.
Indiana Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a disability benefit for people who have worked before and have work credits. Disability benefits are paid based on the number of years that you’ve worked and the severity of your condition.
The amount of money that you receive for SSDI depends on a lot of unique factors, but the average national SSDI payment is around $1,685.
Indiana Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a disability benefit that is paid to people who have never worked due to a disability. If you grew up with a disability or medical condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book you can apply for SSI when you turn 18. SSI benefits can be used to pay for your living expenses or medical expenses.
SSI is also sometimes paid to low-income parents who have a disabled child to help them pay for the child’s living or medical expenses. If parents are receiving SSI they must document how that money is spent and prove that the money is spent on the child’s expenses only.
State of Indiana Disability Programs
The Indiana Department of Human Resources offers state disability benefits too, so you may qualify for additional benefits besides SSDI. The state of Indiana disability programs offer both short and long-term benefit programs.
Short-Term Benefits
Short-term disability benefits can be used to pay for necessities while waiting for disability benefits to be approved and paid. Typically, you can apply for short-term benefits if you are expected to be unable to work for a week or longer. Most state short-term disability programs like Indiana’s pay benefits for up to 30 weeks. There can be a 7-day or 30-day waiting period for short-term disability benefits in Indiana depending on your circumstances.
Short-term disability premiums are based on coverage levels and the salary that you were getting at the time you became disabled. They are paid using after-tax money.
Long-Term Benefits
Long-term disability benefits pay money to people who can no longer work because of an accident, injury, or illness. You can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSA disability benefits. However, the amount of SSDI that you receive may be reduced depending on the amount of long-term disability benefits you are receiving. The total of the two types of benefits cannot be more than your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Indiana
If you haven’t yet applied for disability benefits in Indiana, or if your application has been denied by the SSA, you should speak with a disability lawyer in Indiana. A disability lawyer in Indiana can help you with things like:
- Filling out the application paperwork
- Talking you through the application process.
- Advising you on what medical documentation you need.
- Helping you meet deadlines.
- Arguing your appeal.
There is no charge to speak with an Indiana disability lawyer upfront. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation right now to be connected to an independent disability lawyer subscribed to our website and taking cases in Indiana.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Indiana?
There are a lot of factors that affect how much benefit money you receive. If you are receiving SSDI you could receive up to $3,822 per month. However, the average SSDI payment is $1,685 per month.
The maximum SSI payment that you could receive for yourself or a child is $943, or $1,415 if you and your spouse both receive SSI.
To find out how much benefit money you may qualify for based on your unique circumstances use our benefits calculator and then speak with a disability lawyer taking cases in Indiana about your case.
