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Frequently Asked Questions on Social Security Law

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Social Security is based on the concept that while you work, you pay taxes into the Social Security system, and when you retire or become disabled, you, your spouse and your dependent children receive monthly benefits that are based on your reported earnings. Also, your survivors can collect benefits in the event of your death. However only some people are eligible for Social Security based on various factors including certain work requirements.

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What is the definition of disability used by Social Security?

Under the Social Security Act, "disability" means "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."

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How many different types of Social Security disability benefits are there?

There are at least five major types of Social Security disability benefits. Disability Insurance benefits is the most important type of Social Security disability benefits. It goes to individuals who have worked in recent years (five out of the last ten years in most cases) and who are now disabled. Disabled Widow's and Widower's benefits are paid to an individual who is at least 50 years old and becomes disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their spouse. The late husband or wife must have worked enough under Social Security to be insured. Disabled Adult Child benefits go to the children of persons who are deceased or who are drawing Social Security disability or retirement benefits. The child must have become disabled before age 22. For Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits, and Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter whether the disabled individual is rich or poor. Benefits are paid based upon a Social Security earnings record. Supplemental Security Income benefits, however, are paid to individuals who are poor and who are disabled. It does not matter for SSI whether an individual has worked in the past or not. SSI child's disability benefits are a variety of SSI benefits paid to children under the age of 18 who are disabled. The way in which disability is determined is a bit different for children.

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How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

The best, surest way to file a Social Security disability claim is to go to the nearest Social Security office in person and wait (often for a few hours) to file the claim in person. Alternatively, a person may contact Social Security by telephone and arrange for a telephone interview to file the claim.

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I am disabled, but I have plenty of money in the bank. Do I have to wait until this money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

No. If you have worked in recent years or if you are applying for Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank. There is no reason to wait to file the claim.

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I used to work but lately I have been staying home taking care of the kids. I have now become sick. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

Possibly. If you worked five out of the previous ten years under Social Security before becoming disabled, you may have enough earnings in the system to potentially qualify for Social Security disability benefits. For individuals 31 or younger, the requirements are a little different, since such individuals have not had a long time to work. Unless a person has been staying at home and taking care of their children for quite a long time, however, it is very possible that they will qualify for Social Security disability benefits based upon their own earnings. Also, a homemaker, if poor enough, can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) whether he or she has worked in the past or not.

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How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security disability benefits?

Not even one day. You can file for Social Security disability benefits on the very same day that you become disabled. Many individuals make the mistake of waiting months and even years after becoming disabled before filing a Social Security disability claim. There is no reason to file a Social Security disability claim if you have only a minor illness or one which is unlikely to last a year or more. However, if you suffer serious illness or injury and expect to be out of work for a year or more, you should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits.

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I am still on sick leave from my employer. Can I file for Social Security disability now or do I have to wait until the sick leave is exhausted?

No, you do not have to wait until the sick leave is exhausted. You should file for Social Security disability benefits now, if you believe that you will be out of work for a year or more.

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I got hurt on the job. I am drawing workers' Compensation benefits. Can I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits now, or should I wait until the workers' Compensation ends?

You do not have to wait until the workers' Compensation ends and you should not wait that long. An individual can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits while receiving workers' Compensation benefits. It is best to file the Social Security disability claim as soon as possible because otherwise there may be a gap between the time the workers' Compensation ends and the Social Security disability benefits begin.

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Can I get both workers' Compensation and Social Security disability benefits?

Yes. There is an offset, which reduces Social Security disability benefits because of workers' Compensation benefits paid, but in virtually all cases, there are still some Social Security disability benefits to be paid. In a few states the offset works the other way — workers' Compensation benefits are reduced because of Social Security disability benefits.

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How can I tell if I will be found disabled by Social Security?

Unless your disability is catastrophic (such as terminal cancer, a heart condition so bad that you are on a heart transplant waiting list, total paralysis of both legs, etc.), there is no easy way for you to tell whether you will be found disabled by Social Security. In the end, the decision of whether to apply for Social Security disability benefits should not be based upon whether people feel that Social Security will find them disabled. Attorneys familiar with Social Security disability can make predictions about who will win and who will lose, but even they can seldom be sure. An individual should make the decision about whether or not to file for Social Security disability based upon the person's own belief about his or her condition. If the individual feels that he or she is disabled and is not going to be able to return to work in the near future, the individual should file for Social Security disability benefits. If denied, the individual should consult with one of our Palm Beach County Social Security disability attorneys. We are familiar with Social Security disability and can give you an opinion as to the chances of success on appeal.

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Can you receive Social Security disability benefits for _________________  (insert the name of whatever disease you are interested in)?

In almost every case, no matter what the disease is, the answer is the same:  "Maybe. It just depends upon how badly you are affected by the disease." One example might be cancer. The word "cancer" is scary to anyone, but there are many cancers that can be treated and cured very quickly, with little or no lasting effect. On the other hand, of course, there are cancers that cause great suffering and ultimately result in death. The question in each individual case is "How sick is this particular individual with cancer and how long is this person going to remain sick?" Skin diseases are another example. The vast majority of skin diseases, while annoying, would not be considered to be disabling. On the other hand, there are some uncommon, very severe skin problems that are clearly disabling. In extreme cases, psoriasis, which is not rare, may be disabling. Thus, almost without exception, the mere fact that an individual has a disease with a certain name does not guarantee that the individual either will or will not be found disabled. It all depends upon how sick the person is.

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Do you have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security disability benefits?

No. You have to have been disabled for at least a year or be expected to be disabled for at least a year or have a condition that can be expected to result in death within a year.

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I have several health problems, but none of them disable me — it is their combination that disables me. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

Social Security is supposed to consider the combination of impairments that an individual suffers in determining disability. Many, perhaps most, claimants for Social Security disability benefits have more than one health problem and the combined effects of all of the health problems must be considered.

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I got hurt in an automobile accident. I am disabled now, but I expect that I will be able to return to work after I recover. Should I file for Social Security benefits?

If you expect to be out of work for a year or more on account of illness or injury, you should file for Social Security disability benefits.

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How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?

Social Security is supposed to gather your medical records and carefully consider all of your health problems, as well as your age, education and work experience. In general, Social Security is supposed to decide whether you are able to do your past work. If Social Security decides that you are unable to do your past work, they are supposed to consider whether there is any other work which you can do considering your health problems and your age, education and work experience.

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Who decides if I am disabled?

After an individual files a Social Security disability claim, the case is sent to a disability examiner at the Disability Determination agency in your state. This individual, working with a doctor, makes the initial decision on the claim. If the claim is denied and the individual requests reconsideration, the case is then sent to another disability examiner at the Disability Determination agency, where it goes through much the same process. If a claim is denied at reconsideration, the claimant may then request a hearing. At this point, the case is sent to an administrative law judge who works for Social Security. The administrative law judge makes an independent decision upon the claim. This is the only level at which the claimant and the decision maker get to see each other.

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Why does Social Security consider my age in determining whether I am disabled?

Social Security has to consider age, because that is what the Social Security Act requires. As people get older, they become less adaptable, less able to switch to different jobs to cope with health problems. A severe foot injury, which might cause a 30-year-old to switch to a job in which he or she can sit down most of the time, might disable a 60-year-old person who could not make the adjustment to a different type of work.

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Is there a list of illnesses that Social Security considers disabling?

Not really. Because most types of illness can vary from minor to severe, there is no one simple list of illnesses which Social Security considers to be disabling. However, if an illness has reached a very severe level with certain medical hallmarks, Social Security will award benefits on the basis of medical considerations alone.

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What can I do to improve my chances of winning my Social Security disability claim?

Be honest and complete in giving information to Social Security about what is disabling you. Many claimants, for instance, fail to mention their psychiatric problems to Social Security because they are embarrassed about them. In almost all cases, individuals who were slow learners in school fail to mention this fact to Social Security, even though it can have a good deal to do with whether or not the Social Security disability claim is approved. Beyond being honest and complete with Social Security, the most important things that you can do are to just keep appealing and to hire an experienced person to represent you. It is important to appeal because most claims are denied at the initial level, but are approved at higher levels of review. It is important to hire an experienced person to represent you because you do not understand the way Social Security works. Statistically, claimants who employ attorneys to represent them are much more likely to win than those who go unrepresented.

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How do I find an attorney to represent me in my Social Security disability claim?

The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) offers a referral service. You may call NOSSCR at 1-800-431-2804 during regular Eastern Time business hours.

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If I am approved for Social Security disability benefits, how much will I get?

For disability insurance benefits, it all depends upon how much you have worked and earned in the past. For Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits, it depends upon how much the late husband or wife worked and earned. For Disabled Adult Child benefits, it all depends upon how much the parent worked and earned. For all types of SSI benefits, there is a base amount that an individual with no other income receives. Other income that an individual has reduces the amount of SSI which an individual can receive.

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How far back will they pay benefits if I am found disabled?

For Disability Insurance benefits and for Disabled Widow's and Widower's benefits, the benefits cannot begin until five months have passed after the person becomes disabled. In addition, benefits cannot be paid more than one year prior to the date of the claim. For a Disabled Adult Child, there is no five-month waiting period before benefits begin, but benefits cannot be paid more than six months prior to the date of the claim. SSI benefits cannot be paid prior to the start of the month following the date of the claim.

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What do I do if Social Security denies my claim for Social Security disability benefits?

First, do not be surprised. Only about 40 percent of Social Security disability claims are approved at the initial level. If you are denied at the initial level, unless you have already returned to work or expect to return to work in the near future, you should appeal. In most states you do this by filing a request for reconsideration. You should also consider employing an attorney to represent you. In a few states you file a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge and do not need to go through the reconsideration step.

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Why does Social Security turn down so many claims for disability benefits?

There is no simple answer to this question. One reason is that there is no simple way to determine whether an individual is disabled. Most people who are disabled suffer from pain. There is no way of determining whether or not another individual is in pain, much less how much pain they are in. A second reason is that Social Security over the years has been more concerned with making sure that everyone who is receiving Social Security disability benefits is "truly" disabled than with making sure that everyone who is disabled receives Social Security disability benefits. An underlying reason is that Congress has always believed that, given a chance, many people will "fake" disability in order to get benefits.

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I only want to get back the money I put in Social Security. Why do they make it so hard for me to get my own money back?

Actually, when you file a Social Security disability claim, you are not trying to just get "your own money" back. The money that an individual may have paid into Social Security over the years would not last very long if that was all that an individual could draw from Social Security.

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What is "reconsideration"?

When a claim for Social Security disability benefits is denied at the initial level, the claimant usually must request "reconsideration" of that decision to start the appeal process. The case is then sent to a different disability examiner for a new decision. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of the time the reconsideration decision is the same as the initial decision — a denial.

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Who makes the reconsideration determination?

A disability examiner at the Disability Determination Section makes the reconsideration determination. Most of the time, the claimant does not see the disability examiner or even know his or her name.

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What are my chances of winning at reconsideration?

Statistically, about 20 percent of the time a claimant wins at reconsideration.

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Do I have to go through reconsideration?

In most states, if you want to appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits, you have to go through reconsideration. There is no way to avoid it. In a few states the Social Security Administration has abolished reconsideration and you can file an immediate request for a hearing before an administrative law judge. The denial notice from Social Security will tell you what the next step is that you need to take. You should strongly consider obtaining an attorney to represent you.

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How long does it take to get a hearing on a Social Security disability claim?

There is some variation around the country, but the national average reached 541 days in mid-2008.

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What is a Social Security hearing like?

The hearings are fairly informal. The only people likely to be there are the judge, a secretary operating a tape recorder, the claimant, the claimant's attorney and anyone else the claimant has brought with him or her. In some cases, the administrative law judge has a medical doctor or vocational expert present to testify at the hearing. There is no jury nor are there any spectators at the hearing. There is no attorney at the hearing representing Social Security trying to get the judge to deny the disability claim.

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What are my chances of winning at a hearing?

Statistically, over half of claimants who have a Social Security disability hearing win.

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If the administrative law judge denies my claim, can I appeal anymore?

Yes. You can appeal to the Appeals Council, which is still within Social Security.

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What is the Appeals Council?

The Appeals Council exists to review administrative law judge decisions. The Appeals Council is located in Falls Church, Virginia, and neither the claimant nor the attorney sees the people at the Appeals Council who are working on the case.

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Can I appeal a case beyond Social Security to the federal courts?

Yes. After being denied by the Appeals Council, it is possible for a claimant to file a civil action in the United States District Court, requesting review of Social Security's decision. A Social Security disability claim can go all the way to the Supreme Court. Perhaps once every year or two years, the United States Supreme Court actually hears an appeal about a Social Security disability case.

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If I get Social Security disability benefits, but feel better and want to return to work, can I return to work?

Certainly you can return to work. Social Security wants individuals drawing disability benefits to return to work and gives them every encouragement to do so. For persons receiving Disability Insurance benefits, Disabled Widow's and Widower's benefits and Disabled Adult Child benefits, full benefits may continue for a year after an individual returns to work. Even thereafter, an individual who has to stop work in the following three years can get back on Social Security disability benefits immediately without having to file a new claim. In SSI cases, things work differently, but there is still a strong encouragement to return to work.

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Where can I go to get help with my Social Security disability claim?

For help, go to a lawyer or other person who represents Social Security disability claimants on a regular basis. If you need a referral to a lawyer who represents Social Security claimants, call the referral service of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) at 1-800-431-2804.

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Do I really have to hire a lawyer to represent me in my Social Security disability claim?

No. You can go through all of the levels of review on your own, if you wish, but statistically claimants who are represented by an attorney win a good deal more often than those who are not represented.

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How do lawyers who represent Social Security disability claimants get paid?

In almost all cases, the attorney receives one quarter of the back benefits if the claimant wins and no fee if the claimant loses.

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Can alcoholics and drug addicts really get Social Security disability benefits?

Not anymore. There never were all that many people getting Social Security disability benefits on account of alcoholism or drug addiction, but Congress has now prohibited Social Security from paying disability benefits on the basis of alcoholism or drug addiction. However, alcoholics and drug addicts have heart attacks, get cancer or get sick in other ways just as everyone else does. Alcoholics and drug addicts who become disabled apart from their alcoholism or drug addiction can become eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

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I know someone who is on Social Security disability and he does not look a bit disabled. Why do they put all of these freeloaders on benefits?

When it comes to disability, looks can be very deceiving. There are many people who look quite healthy but who are quite disabled by anyone's standard. For instance, many individuals who suffer from very severe psychiatric illnesses are physically healthy and able to do things such as mow their yards.

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I am disabled, but I have never worked at public work. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

If you are poor enough, you can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are disabled, even if you have never worked in the past. It is also possible to qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits on the account of a parent if you became disabled before age 22, or for Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits on the account of a late husband or wife.

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I am a widow. I have not worked in public work in many years. I am disabled. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

If you are over 50 and became disabled within seven years after your husband or wife died or within seven years after you last drew mother's or father's benefits from Social Security, you can get Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits. Perhaps more important, if you are poor, you can draw Supplemental Security Income benefits no matter what age you are or when you became disabled.

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I have a daughter who has been disabled by cerebral palsy since birth and has never been able to work. Can she get disability benefits from Social Security?

Very possibly. If the child is under 18 and you are poor enough, the child may be able to qualify for SSI child's disability benefits. If the child is over 18, she may be able to qualify for SSI disability benefits without regard to the income of her parents. If her father or mother is drawing Social Security benefits of some type or is deceased, the child may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child benefits.

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I am already on Social Security disability benefits, but I am worried that my benefits will be stopped in the future. What are the chances of this happening?

Social Security is not supposed to cut off disability benefits for an individual unless his or her medical condition has improved. When Social Security reviews a case of someone already on Social Security disability benefits, they continue benefits in the vast majority of cases. In recent years, Social Security has been doing few reviews to determine whether or not individuals already on Social Security disability benefits are still disabled. This is changing and Social Security should be doing far more reviews in the next few years. However, the vast majority of individuals who are reviewed will see their Social Security disability benefits continued.

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If Social Security tries to cut off my disability benefits, what can I do?

You should appeal immediately. If you appeal within ten days after being notified that your disability benefits are being cut off, you can ask that your disability benefits continue while you appeal the decision. You may also want to talk with an attorney about representation on your case, but you should file the appeal immediately.

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The VA says I am disabled, so why is Social Security denying my Social Security disability claim?

It is Social Security's position that VA decisions are not binding upon them. Social Security and VA have very different standards for approving disability claims.

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I am 60 percent disabled. Do I get 60 percent of my Social Security disability benefits?

No. There are no percentages of disability in Social Security disability determination. For purposes of Social Security disability benefits, you are either disabled or not disabled. There are no percentages of disability, nor any percentages of disability benefits.

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I am disabled by mental illness. Can mental illness serve as the basis for a Social Security disability claim?

Yes. Mental illness is a frequent basis for awarding Social Security disability benefits.

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Will it help if I ask my Congressional Representative to help me get Social Security disability benefits?

Many Social Security disability claimants become frustrated with claim delays and eventually ask their U.S. representatives or senators to help. The local congressional office typically will have staffers who are experienced with Social Security procedures and personnel. A "congressional inquiry," as it is called at Social Security, may help to get a stalled process moving again. Note that the inquiry will have no impact on how Social Security decides the outcome of the case.

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How long does it take before Social Security makes a decision once I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits?

In most cases Social Security makes the first decision within four months.

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How long does it take for Social Security to make a reconsideration determination on my Social Security disability claim?

In most cases Social Security makes the reconsideration determination within four months.

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How long does it take for Social Security to act upon a request for Appeals Council review?

About a year, maybe longer.

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I am disabled. I need help with medical bills even more than I need a cash income. How do I get help with medical bills?

Getting help with medical bills is usually tied up with getting cash benefits, that is, you don't start getting help with medical bills until after you start getting the cash benefits, so you have to keep going with the Social Security disability claim in order to get the help with medical bills.

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What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

The short answer is that Medicaid is a poverty program and Medicare isn't. Many disabled people who get Medicaid get it because they are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is called “categorical” Medicaid eligibility. To get SSI and thereby get Medicaid you have to be poor and disabled. Medicaid pays doctors at very low rates. People who only have Medicaid can have a hard time finding doctors willing to take them on as patients. Medicaid does pay for prescription medications. Medicaid is retroactive for up to three months prior to the date of a Medicaid claim. Note that it is possible to apply for Medicaid directly - through a local Medicaid office - without having a companion claim for SSI.

For Medicare it does not matter whether you are rich or poor. If you have been on Disability Insurance benefits, Disabled Widow's or Widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child benefits for 24 months, you qualify for Medicare. The good thing about Medicare is that it pays doctors at a higher rate than Medicaid. Almost all doctors are happy to take Medicare patients. The bad things about Medicare are that it does not begin until after a person has been on cash disability benefits for two years and that it generally does not pay for prescription medications.

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If I get Social Security disability benefits will I get Medicare?

If you are approved for any kind of Social Security disability benefit other than SSI you will get Medicare after you have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for two years.

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If I get Social Security disability benefits will I get Medicaid?

If you are approved for SSI you will get Medicaid. It is possible to get both Medicare and Medicaid if you are entitled to SSI and some other type of Social Security disability benefit.

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