If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be entitled to benefits under the Social Security Disability (SSD) system. However, some Louisiana residents do not know that even if you are visibly disabled, qualifying is not always easy. Furthermore, there are a few technicalities to the system. A recent article discusses two common questions associated with the SSD program.

First, is there a time limit on SSD benefits? In other words, do they expire or stop after a certain period? The article reports that your disability benefits will persist as long as your medical situation has not gotten better. Furthermore, individuals must be unable to work. Ultimately, Social Security will review SSD claims sporadically to verify whether you are still eligible for benefits. In addition, if you continue to receive disability benefits at your retirement age, the benefits will convert into retirement benefits.

Second, why is there a five-month waiting period for disability benefits? Social Security law states that disability benefits commence six full months after the date a disability began. Therefore, you cannot receive benefits for any month before this period.

To qualify for the SDD program, you should know that your claim has to pass the strict review of the Social Security Administration. Often, it rejects many initial SSD claims. This is a measure to prevent fraudulent claims.

Fortunately, many valid SSD claims are approved on appeal. Nevertheless, to be successful on appeal, the claim must be sufficiently written. Requisite government language should be included in the documents, and medical evidence must be carefully presented. For this reason, if you are applying for SSD benefits or are in the process of an appeal, you should ensure that you have proper legal assistance. The SSD benefits program can be complex and confusing. You deserve adequate legal representation as you seek the assistance that you need.

Source: The Ledger, "Social Security: Disability benefits are periodically reviewed," Feb. 15, 2012