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Talking to your parents about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is important, as they may not be aware of what they are entitled to under law. They need to know that the SSDI program is there to pay benefits and support to those who are unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year and it must be significant enough to impair their ability to do basic work like lifting, standing, sitting and remembering important information. What’s more, the process can be complicated and they may need to hire an attorney to represent their case before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
It’s important to keep in mind that when a parent becomes disabled, they need to apply for SSDI as soon as they become disabled. Since the application processing time may take three to five months or maybe more, depending on the nature of the case, applying early can help save time and money. The Motley Fool lists the specific categories of medical ailments which the SSA considers severe enough to allow an individual to qualify for benefits:
They also explain that chronic conditions like heart failure, according to the SSA, must be accompanied by medical proof defining whether it is systolic or diastolic in nature. If your parents suffer from another disabling chronic condition which isn’t listed, you’ll need to help them provide documentation that prove the symptoms are as severe as those exhibited by sufferers of the 14 conditions listed above.
Should one or both of your parents suffer from a chronic condition, they will be joining the millions of Americans who suffer from one or more chronic illnesses across the country. A joint research study on chronic disease in the U.S. by Fordham University in New York, and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, indicated that over 45%, or roughly 133 million Americans, suffer from at least one chronic ailment. The number of chronic conditions continues to grow and is the nations’ leading cause of death. In addition, Maryville University predicts that by 2025 chronic illness will affect an estimated 164 million Americans, almost half the population. Additionally, with an aging population, the increasing costs of chronic diseases account for nearly 75% of healthcare spending or an estimated $5,300 per person annually. It’s therefore important that your discussion with your parents about their SSDI application makes them aware of the costs of medicare resulting from their disability.
Remember the SSA has very strict criteria and definitions when it comes to disability and it’s a good idea to help your parents hire an attorney, especially if their condition isn’t specifically mentioned in the SSA’s listing of impairments. A disability legal representative can increase their chances of being approved for disability benefits and will only be paid if their claim is approved.
We can help with many aspects of SSDI cases, including Substitution of Party claim by the surviving family of the deceased. While it may seem like a daunting process to both you and your parents, careful planning and preparation can help you qualify for disability benefits.
Content written for jandils.com
By Alaska Sanchez
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
