When a disability prevents you from gainful employment, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can help you to makes ends meet. The amount that you receive is dependent upon a variety of factors, including your earnings record. But what happens if your condition gets worse? Are you allowed to receive more money in SSD benefits?
SSD benefits differ from workers’ compensation and veterans’ disability compensation in that your payments are not related to the severity of your disability or what it limits you from doing. It merely has to do with your earnings record.
What Is an Earnings Record?
In order to determine your amount of SSD benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA), which governs SSD benefits, will look at your Social Security earnings prior to the start of your disability as well as the age you were when it began. Those who qualify for SSD benefits based upon their spouse’s work should know that it is also based upon your spouse’s earning record. Put simply, your SSD benefits should equal your retirement benefit if you were to retire at the full age of retirement.
Adult Children
The SSD benefits of adult children with disabilities are calculated based upon:
- Their parents’ earning record;
- The family maximum amount; and
- The number of other adult children with disabilities (or survivors) who received benefits on the same record.
Widows/Widowers
The SSD benefits of widows/widowers with disabilities are calculated based upon:
- The family maximum amount for survivors on the deceased spouse’s earning record when that same individual became disabled; and
- The number of people receiving benefits on the same record.
Surviving Divorced Spouses
The SSD payment for surviving divorced spouses does not impact the benefit amounts that other dependents are paid within the same record.
Changing Conditions
Some conditions that progress can leave those who suffer from them with a higher income. However, it’s important to note that the severity of someone’s condition does not impact the amount of benefits they receive. For instance, if someone receives SSD benefits but has poor vision that worsens and leads to legal blindness, their amount of income can increase. While not true for everyone with a disability, someone whose disability worsens may make more money while continuing to receive SSD benefits.
Medicare
People who have been approved for SSD benefits for an illness that’s not related to the kidney, but who may develop kidney failure will require ongoing dialysis as well as a kidney transplant. These individuals may be eligible for Medicare prior to the ordinary 24-month wait period usually required.
The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!