Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security can provide benefits long before you are at Full Retirement Age (FRA) if you are disabled. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have paid into Social Security (typically 10 years, but situations can vary). Read on to see if you qualify for disability benefits.
Are you legally blind?
If you answered “yes” and earn less than $2,040 per month, you may qualify for full or partial benefits. In order to see what your potential benefit might be, you must apply. Wage earners who make more than $2,040 per month will not qualify for any benefits. If you are not legally blind, move on to the next question.
Do you make more than $1,220 per month?
If you earn more than $1,220 per month, you will not be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If you earn less, move on to the next question.
Did you pass the “Recent Work Test” and the “Duration of Work Test”?
If you passed the two aforementioned tests and have been limited in your ability to do basic work (lifting, sitting, walking, or remembering) and are unable to perform gainful employment, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. You will have to apply to know for sure. If you did not pass the tests, move on to the next question.
Are you a widow or surviving divorced spouse of a worker?
If you answered “yes” and are between ages 50 and 60 and your disability started within 7 years of the spouse’s death, you may qualify for benefits. You will have to apply for benefits to see what your benefit might be. If you answered “no”, then you will not qualify for any disability benefits.
Collecting Social Security disability benefits is complicated, and there are a lot of different requirements. Check out this flowchart to learn more.
If you would like to schedule a call to talk about the best strategies for Social Security, please give us a call at 303-440-2906 or click here to schedule a time to speak with us.
Robert J. Pyle, CFP®, CFA is president of Diversified Asset Management, Inc. (DAMI). DAMI is licensed as an investment adviser with the State of Colorado Division of Securities, and its investment advisory representatives are licensed by the State of Colorado. DAMI will only transact business in other states to the extent DAMI has made the requisite notice filings or obtained the necessary licensing in such state. No follow up or individualized responses to persons in other jurisdictions that involve either rendering or attempting to render personalized investment advice for compensation will be made absent compliance with applicable legal requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. It does not constitute investment or tax advice. To contact Robert, call 303-440-2906 or e-mail info@diversifiedassetmanagement.com.
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