When many people think about the possibility of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, they might be focused on their physical or mental health condition. Of course, the actual disability in question is important to the ultimate decision of whether or not an Ohio resident will receive SSD benefits. But, as a recent article pointed out, there is another crucial factor: the disability must be significant enough that the applicant is unable to maintain gainful employment.
After all, that is the whole point of SSD benefits: they are there for those who need them when they can no longer support themselves through employment, but they have worked enough of their lives to qualify for the requisite amount of work credits. SSD benefits are a so-called “safety net” for workers – they are not a government giveaway.
And, as the article noted, demonstrating the inability to maintain employment can be the key to a successful application for Social Security Disability benefits. Millions of Americans have physical or mental disabilities that they struggle with every day – but they still go to work. According to the Social Security Administration, a disability must be so severe that the applicant will be unable to work for at least 12 months.
But, that doesn’t mean that once an Ohio resident is receiving SSD benefits, they will never be able to return to work again. Some people recover from their physical and mental disabilities enough that they can return to work, even in a limited capacity. However, these individuals will need to make sure that they meet the legal requirements.
Source: tucson.com, “Social Security and You: Working while receiving disability benefits,” Tom Margenau, Feb. 15, 2018