WHY YOU MAY NOT WANT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS.....

WHY YOU MAY NOT WANT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS IF YOU CAN AVOID THEM:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can help individuals who have reached the end of their ability to work. It's a last resort for individuals who have such severe impairments that they cannot work.

However, Social Security disability is frankly not something you would want if you don't have to: Here are some reasons why:

1. Proving disability can be difficult. Initially, only about 22 percent of claims are approved.

2. The application process is lengthy, often taking 12 to 24 months for a decision.

3. Your benefit will usually be much less than your wages when you worked.

4. Future "Continuing Disability Reviews" may terminate your benefits.

5. Your ability to work or run a business is severely restricted when you get SSDI benefits.

Social Security disability is definitely not an option to supplement your income, provide some extra money while you're working or be a source of additional funding for low paying jobs.

SSDI provides a benefit for individuals who have had to stop working because of a severe impairment that has lasted or will last for at least one year or more OR end in death. If a claimant is working at "substantial gainful activity" the application will be dismissed at Step 1, or almost immediately.

That being said, there are many individuals who have no choice but to apply for SSDI benefits. I always caution my potential clients: "If continuing to work is an option for you, then it is probably the best option." If you aren't able to work, then apply for Social Security disability.