If you have become disabled and are unable to work, you may be applying for or already receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Once on Social Security, many people wonder whether these benefits are permanent. The short answer is that it depends.
While some people may qualify for permanent benefits, others may only receive benefits temporarily. During a continuing eligibility review, the Social Security Administration will determine the extent of your disability and whether or not you are eligible to continue receiving benefits.
To learn more about your rights to benefits, please contact our knowledgeable disability attorneys today.
Definition of Disabled
The Social Security Administration will determine that you suffer from a total disability if:
- You cannot perform the same type of work you did before.
- You cannot perform other types of work due to your disability.
- The disability has lasted for more than one year or is expected to last more than one year or result in death
The SSA takes these rules very seriously. A person must meet all three of the above criteria in order to qualify for disability benefits.
When Disability Benefits are Permanent
Social Security Disability benefits do not work the same for everyone. Some people will only receive benefits temporarily, while others will receive them on a permanent basis. How long benefits will last depends on the severity of your condition. When a case is labeled as MIE, or Medical Improvement Expected, benefits are not permanent. This category means that the SSA has determined that a condition will improve and the recipient is subject to a continuing eligibility review. If the condition has improved at the time of review, benefits will stop. If there has been little improvement and you still cannot return to work, you will continue receiving benefits. Another review will then be held in six to 18 months.
The SSA may also label a case MIP, or Medical Improvement Possible. In these cases, the SSA understands that while a condition may get better, it’s unlikely to. Recipients in these cases will still have to undergo a continuing eligibility review, but it won’t happen for another two to five years.
In the worst medical cases, the SSA will label the recipient as MINE, or Medical Improvement Not Expected. Conditions given this designation are the worst, and the SSA does not think the condition will ever improve. Even though the SSA has made that designation, though, the recipient is still subject to continuing eligibility reviews, but they will happen every five to seven years. When a person reaches retirement age, these benefits then automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.
Need Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is a long and arduous process. The SSA denies more applications than it approves. Most applicants must go through the appeals process before receiving benefits. It’s for these reasons that no one should go through this process on their own. Instead, they should speak to an experienced South Carolina SSD attorney for help.
If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits, contact us today at Land Parker Welch LLC. We can help you file your initial application, guide you through the appeals process, and answer any questions you have. We know how difficult it is to get the benefits you need, and we know how to help. Call us today or fill out our online form to learn more.
