Can You Apply For Disability Benefits When You Lose Your Job?Even if you apply for disability, Social Security may find that your medical or mental conditions do not meet the severity level needed to qualify for disability. However, claimants who are denied on a disability application should not be put off by this. Most claims are initially denied and many of these individuals are successful at later getting approved at a disability hearing in which their representative presents their claim to an administrative law judge. As to employment, just because an individual loses their job, it does not mean that they are entitled to disability benefits with Social Security. Social Security Disability is not an unemployment program. You have to have a medically determinable medical or mental condition that has prevented you from working at SGA (a monthly earnings amount that Social Security considers to be substantial gainful activity); or that you expect will prevent you from working for twelve months; or that you expect will result in death. Having said that, if you lost your job and have not been able to find work because you have medical or mental conditions that affect your ability to find employment, you should consider filing for disability. There are some individuals who have worked with an employer for years and are then laid off from their job. Often, employers are aware of an individual's health problems; however, they still allow the individual to maintain their employment. This is because there are instances in which employers give an employee special considerations that enable the employee to continue working. Special considerations or subsidies might include longer breaks, less production, or even more time off. A new employer is unlikely to provide the special considerations needed for the employee to continue working. And this is why a person who has been laid off from a job who has a disabling physical impairment or mental impairment might find themselves suddenly unemployable and in the position of applying for SSD benefits. Individuals with significant health problems jobs should consider filing for Social Security Disability if they have lose their job and are totally unable to perform substantial work activity. Of course, all individuals who apply for Social Security Disability should remember that it is a total disability program not a partial disability or a short term disability program. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How long does a disability appeal take? How long does it take to get a disability check after approval? How long does it take to get approved for disability? Will Social Security Decide That I can go Back to My Old Job? Can You Apply For Disability Benefits When You Lose Your Job? Social Security Disability and the Job that You Worked Will You Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Cannot Work Your Old Job? Is Receiving Social Security Disability Based On Whether I Can Do My Current or Last Job? Does social security contact your former work employers when you file for disability? What to do if your Disability Benefits are stopped What Should I Expect at my Social Security Disability Review if I am working part-time? Getting a Disability Lawyer in New York If you apply for disability in New York Will I qualify for disability Benefits in New York |
