A person is disabled under the Act if he or she can’t work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death. The person’s medical condition must prevent him or her from doing work that he or she did in the past, and it must prevent the person from adjusting to other work.
The average monthly disability benefit for 2015 was $1,165 per month. Being approved for disability benefits generally takes a significant amount of time.
In general Social Security approval rates have fallen to approximately 50 percent nationally and an aggressive stance in appeal is required. It is crucial to document cases and ensure that records are completed timely. While Social Security grew for about 15 consecutive years now more cases were denied.
If you are still receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach your full retirement age, you will be automatically switched from disability benefits to retirement benefits and your money amount should remain the same.