Although Social Security Disability benefits have been an option for injured workers for a long time, there are plenty of people in America – including in California – who may have questions about how, exactly, the system works. So, what do you need to know about applying for SSD benefits?
The basics about SSD benefits
For starters, it is important to understand the differences between SSD benefits and another common form of federal financial assistance, known as Supplemental Security Income – or “SSI” for short. SSD benefits are provided to those who have earned income by working and who, due to some type of mental or physical disability, are now unable to continue working. SSI is provided to individuals on a need-based basis, meaning that only those who are unable to work and who have a limited amount of assets will be eligible to receive SSI.
Applying for SSD benefits can get complicated. If it is not completely obvious that an applicant is disabled and unable to work, the Social Security Administration will have questions. Applicants may need to go through multiple levels of review or appeal before they are approved to receive SSD benefits.
In the end, if applicants are approved to receive SSD benefits, they can expect to receive a check each month in the amount of benefits approved by the SSA. But, that isn’t the end. SSD recipients can also expect to have their file reviewed periodically by the SSA, to make sure that the person remains disabled and unable to work. If, however, the recipient wants to try to return to the workforce in some capacity, the SSA has programs to help with that transition, while the recipient continues to receive SSD benefits.