Social Security disability insurance exists to provide financial aid to people with disabilities who are no longer able to work. This federal insurance program by the US government is funded by payroll taxes and can be a lifesaver. However, some people may not know important details about it. This blog post covers the top three fast facts to know about Social Security disability benefits.

Only Specific Instances of Disability Apply

Unfortunately, people with temporary or partial disabilities may not be able to qualify for this program. Based on the Social Security Act, workers are only eligible if they can't work due to a serious medical condition that they have been dealing with or expect to deal with for at least one year or until death. The good news is that there are no age restrictions because disabilities can affect workers of all ages. Anyone can develop a serious medical condition, such as cancer or a severe injury, and they will need to rely on disability benefits for income support.

Cases of Fraud Have Serious Consequences

As mentioned above, the law governing Social Security disability insurance has a strict definition that excludes temporary or partial disabilities. Thus, the program was designed with a specific group of people in mind, namely disabled workers who are affected in the long term. It's important to note that the Social Security Administration works hard to prevent, detect, and prosecute cases of fraud, as this means that the people who truly deserve benefits have fewer resources. The agency does its best to ensure that its payments are received by the right people. Committing Social Security fraud is a felony with a maximum penalty of $250,000 in fines and five years in prison.

It's Possible to Return to Work Without Losing Benefits

Some long-term disabilities don't affect a person's ability to go back to work. If you have been receiving disability benefits and would like to return to work, it's possible to do so without losing your SSDI benefits. Many people hesitate to make this move, thinking they might lose income support and find themselves stranded if their efforts to join the workforce are unsuccessful. However, there are ways to navigate the situation while maintaining benefits, and a Social Security disability attorney can help you find the right balance of work and benefits for you.

Disability benefits are essential for millions of people each day. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration, nearly 10 million people received disability benefits in 2020. Contact us to learn more about Social Security disability benefits.