Can I Receive Temporary Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income Benefits?

Sometimes clients want to know if they are able to get temporary Social Security disability benefits, for example, while they recover from a surgery, or go through chemo treatments. However, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are not known for being short-term disability programs, and do not provide temporary benefits.

For one, to be eligible for either program, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that you be unable to work for twelve months due to a mental or physical disability before you may be potentially entitled to an SSDI or SSI benefit.

Further, claims usually take a long time to be processed. If your disability claim is initially denied, you will have to appeal the decision. The appeals process usually takes a considerable amount of time to complete. Also, there is no guarantee that you will be found to be disabled and eligible for benefits.

However, if you are approved for benefits, Social Security does have a “trial work period.” In this phase, disability beneficiaries may return to work without their monthly earnings affecting their monthly Social Security benefit for nine months.

However, if the individual continues to work above Substantial Gainful Activity levels for the tenth month, all Social Security benefits may be suspended. If the beneficiary then has to stop work at any time (due to your medical condition) during the thirty-six months following the end of the trial work period, your benefit will be reinstated immediately.

Even though temporary Social Security Disability is not available, it is important that you do not delay in filing for your regular benefits. Fighting for Social Security Disability benefits can be a long drawn out process. There are many deadlines that must be met, and paperwork that has to be completed correctly during appeals and beyond. You do not have to do it alone. Contact one of our experienced Jacksonville Social Security Attorneys for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.