Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) can help you get by if a disability prevents you from working for at least one year. However, there is a lot of misinformation about what exactly SSDI is.
Here is the truth about some common myths concerning this essential program.
Myth: You cannot work while you receive SSDI benefits
A common misconception concerning SSDI is that employment makes you ineligible for benefits. The fact is you can still work without losing your eligibility. However, you may not earn more than a specific amount each month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also allows you to work with no limit on your income for a nine-month trial period.
Myth: SSDI payments are a government handout
SSDI is not a free government program. All employees pay for it through payroll taxes. In order to qualify for these benefits, you must have worked a minimum amount of time prior to your disability. You do not need to feel guilty about seeking help from this program if a disability keeps you from working.
Myth: You cannot receive SSI at the same as SSDI
You can actually qualify for and receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at the same time. Financial need, not work history, determines SSI eligibility. Your SSDI payments will likely reduce how much SSI you are eligible for.
The application process for SSDI can be complex, and the SSA denies a majority of all applications, according to AARP. Make sure you understand the SSDI requirements before applying.
