Attorneys Answer Social Security Disability FAQs

(1.) What amount of Social Security Disability will I receive?

The actual amount of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits you receive can vary quite a bit, but will depend on your age and earnings.

Our experienced disability lawyers can look at your specific circumstances and help you determine the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) you may be eligible to receive.

Additional benefits may also be available to your spouse (husband or wife) if your spouse is not employed or is caring for a child under 16 years of age. If the child is mentally or physically disabled, your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may extend to 18 years of age or sometimes older.

Additionally, after two years of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you are entitled to Medicare which (for a small monthly co-payment) provides both medical and hospital benefits.

The experienced Social Security (SSD) lawyers at our Long Beach, California law firm can help you evaluate the amount of Social Security Disability benefits you or your spouse may be entitled to.

(2.) What should I do if Social Security denies my disability claim?

There are very short time limits in which to file an appeal. Generally, all requests for review must be made within 60 days of the date the decision is received.

For the best chance of winning a Social Security disability appeal, be sure you are represented by our firm, or another disability attorney who is familiar with the redetermination (appeal) process. Don’t delay in consulting our disability lawyers as soon as you receive an unfavorable decision, so that you do not miss your appeals period.

(3.) I have been disabled for a long time but I never applied for Social Security Disability (SSDI). Have I lost my benefits?

No. You can never lose your rights to collect benefits under Social Security. However, you (or your lawyer) will have to show substantial, detailed records and medical evidence to prove that you have been disabled for a long time. Your benefits will begin from one year prior to the date when you finally filed.

In cases like this of delayed application, which require a large amount of documentation, you will probably need the help of a lawyer to get through the filing process. Our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers are familiar with the requirements for proving that an applicant has been disabled for along time, and can ensure that all necessary evidence is presented.

(4.) What if I never worked, but I meet the disability requirement?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is only for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security Administration over the years. 

However, if you have never worked, you may be qualified to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a program based on a claimant’s disability and financial need.

(5.) How long will I receive Social Security Disability?

Your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits will last the duration of your disability, even if you unfortunately remain disabled for the rest of your life.

(6.) What happens to my SSDI if I return to work?

Social Security allows you a nine-month trial work period before your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are terminated. The nine months do not have to be consecutive.

For example: you may work a two-month period, stop, and resume work three months later. Once you have worked a total of nine months, Social Security will pay you an additional two months and then terminate your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If you become disabled again, you may need to reapply, but will not have to wait to receive benefits.

Our experienced disability lawyers can help you calculate the nine-month period to ensure that you do not unnecessarily lose your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility.

(7.) Can I collect Social Security if I am receiving Workers’ Comp?

Free Social Security Disability Consultation: 562-622-4800