North Carolina SSD & SSI Myths

Get the Facts About Social Security Benefits

All new claims for Social Security Disability are denied on the first application.
One of the most common misconceptions on the subject of Social Security Disability (SSD) is that anyone who files a claim for benefits will be turned down on the first application. There is a kernel of truth in this: Of the 2,820,812 new applications that the Social Security Administration received in 2012, 1,840,839 were denied. This amounts to a denial rate of 65 percent. With two out of every three claims being denied, it is clear that you need to do everything that you can to improve the chances that your application will be approved. Even if your claim is denied, however, it is still possible to appeal the claim.

My claim will be approved if I get a disability hearing.
Many of those who propagate the myth that all SSD claims are denied also suggest that you can get your claim approved by receiving a disability hearing. More than half of all claims that proceed to a hearing are approved, but you should not think that the administrative law judges who preside over such hearings are there to give rubber-stamp approval to claims. Every judge is unique and has his or her own rates of approval and denial.

I can’t claim Social Security Disability until I have been disabled for a year.
Eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits is based on having an injury or illness that prevents you from working for at least a year. It is not necessary, however, to wait for a full year before you can file your claim for benefits. You must have a medical diagnosis that suggests that your condition will last for a full year or result in death. It is a good idea to get started as early as possible because the process of claiming benefits can be lengthy, and it is in your best interests to avoid unnecessary delays.

I can’t receive both Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation.
There is nothing written in the law that prohibits a person from receiving both Social Security Disability benefits and workers’ compensation coverage. It is important to note, however, that receiving workers’ compensation benefits may result in your SSD benefits being reduced. This is known as the workers’ compensation offset, and it is used to limit the total amount of benefits that a claimant can receive to no more than 80 percent of his or her pre-disability wages.

I have to choose between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income.
Both of these programs are available to people who meet the definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and many people in North Carolina and nationwide receive both types of benefits. In fact, the SSA reports that of the 14.1 million Americans receiving disability benefits in June 2013, 7.9 million received only SSD benefits, 4.6 million received only SSI payments, and 1.6 million received both SSD and SSI benefits.

Social Security Disability is only for older workers.
A large percentage of people who receive benefits through Social Security Disability are middle-aged or on the cusp of retirement, but there is no age requirement that prevents young adults from benefitting from this program. All that is necessary is that you be able to meet the eligibility requirements for disability and that you have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits. In fact, the number of credits required is lower for younger workers. It is also possible for a disabled child to receive benefits when his or her parent is also qualified for Social Security.