David S. Bross, Esquire, is an attorney who practices regularly before the Social Security Administration. His offices are located at: 102 Browning Lane, Cherry Hill (856) 795-8880 and 37 Grant Street, Mt. Holly, (609) 702-0700. www.davidsbross.com
The Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) entitlement programs are the product of the first major expansion of the Social Security Act in 1954. Here are a few of the most common myths, which many people have come to believe as truth.
If you read my first two columns about disability insurance, you should now have a basic understanding of both the need to protect one’s ability to earn an income and the essential features of disability insurance policies.
While most Americans insure their lives and material assets, like their
homes, cars, etc., many overlook the need to protect their most
valuable asset-the ability to earn an income. In my last column, I
reviewed individual disability insurance (“D.I.”). This article will
look at group disability insurance policies, commonly referred to as
“LTD” policies. First, though, everyone should be familiar with New
Jersey’s law, which provides up to six months of disability benefits.
While most Americans insure their lives and material assets, like their
homes, cars, etc., many overlook the need to protect their most
valuable asset-the ability to earn an income. According to Ken Podell,
CLU, a financial advisor with Mass Mutual, insurance claims studies
indicate that the odds of becoming disabled for 90 days or longer are
much greater than dying during one’s work years.
Listen to your doctor. This strengthens your chances of winning when
you make a disability claim, while also (it is hoped), helping restore
to you some quality of life.
In previous columns, I have offered mostly “nuts and bolts” instructions for filing and succeeding in disability claims. Here is a modest suggestion, which I think, kills two birds with one stone: LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR. This strengthens your chances of winning when you make a disability claim, while also (it is hoped), helping restore to you some quality of life.
I continue to be amazed, despite the fact that these important programs have now been in existence for over 35 years, at how little the American public really understands about such an important component of the federal program which most directly effects the greatest number of Americans.
One of the most common questions I am asked by people applying for Social Security Disability and SSI benefits is: “Do I need a lawyer for this or can I just do it on my own?”
If you read my first two columns about disability insurance, you should now have a basic understanding of both the need to protect one’s ability to earn an income and the essential features of disability insurance policies.
