TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS "SSDI"

While browsing the internet you may have seen an ad for "Temporary Social Security Disability." That is misleading.

The truth is: Social Security has no such thing as "temporary" disability benefits. And they do not have "permanent" disability benefits. Let me explain.

Social Security requires that a disabling condition must last for at least 12 straight months. So "temporary" cannot mean less than 1 year. They will not classify a disability as "temporary." The beneficiary may receive disability benefits until he/she is able to return to work at Substantial Gainful Activity.

Social Security never classifies a benefit as "permanent." Most benefits are open ended, meaning no ending date is set. The disabled beneficiary continues to receive disability benefits until one of the following occurs:

1. Reaches full retirement age--in which case benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits in the same amount.

2. Returns to work at Substantial Gainful Activity - defined in 2021 as wages or self-employment earnings totaling at least $1,310 (gross) per month.

3. Has significant medical improvement and is no longer disabled under Social Security rules. They often perform Continuing Disability Reviews every 2 or 3 years to determine whether beneficiaries are still disabled.

If you feel you may have a case, we advise you to speak with disability advocates like those at the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville for a free case evaluation. There are hundreds of rules and regulations governing SSDI benefits and only a qualified advocate or attorney is able to help you successfully navigate them.