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Malti Patel
WELFARE CONCERNS FOR ELDERLY IMMIGRANTS ADDRESSED
By MALTI PATEL - malti13@tx.rr.com

Q: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

A: Disability under Social Security for an adult is based on your inability to work because of a medical condition. To be considered disabled:

" You must be unable to do work you did before and they decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of a medical condition.

" Your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.

For adults, they use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled under Social Security.

The process considers any current work activity you are doing, and your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.

Q: What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability?

A: The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under SSI, payments are made on the basis of financial need.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons.

To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes. Disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources.

Q: I applied for disability benefits three months ago and still haven't received an answer. When should I expect to be notified of the decision?

A: The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim is from 3 to 5 months. It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on:

" the nature of your disability;

" how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source;

" whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim; and

" If your claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review of the decision.

If you have further questions, call toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778.

Q: Is there a time limit on Social Security disability benefits?

A: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. Your case will be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure you are still disabled.

If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, they will automatically be converted to retirement benefits.

Q: If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my disability benefits?

A: No, the Social Security Administration has several work incentives that may help you to return to work without losing your benefits.

These questions and answers are courtesy of Malti Patel, 1607 Wood Creek Lane, Allen, Texas-75002. Patel recently published a book "Lifting the Mists: A simple guide to a complex welfare system for elderly immigrants and their families." Contact Patel at malti13@tx.rr.com to order the book.








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