How to Apply for Disability?

[vhoffman]

My dh is 54 and has been laid off from his job of 6 years. His prospects for future employment are poor.

He was covered under long-term disability at work. During his employment he had 2 heart attacks. He's stabilized with a cardiac stent and various meds. His heart condition was not pre-existing prior to his last employment. I am considering applying for disability benefits. How does it work? Does he have to apply for Social Security benefits first? Does the disability have to be the reason why he quit work, or does it have to be incurred during his employment? If he goes on work-related disability, can he continue on the group health plan? Thanks for any advice.

 

[dclfun]

You should call Social Security and ask for an application. It's very difficult for adults to get SSDI. The applicant must be unable to do ANY job that would net significant income....their idea of significant income is anything over $800 a month or be expected to die within a year. Generally someone must be nearly incapacitated before they are approved. If he is applying for disability from his work, then I'm not sure of the rules for applying or approval from his employer...best to contact the company that does the insurance. ---Kathy

 

[Nanajo1]

I applied on line. I then had a phone interview. I did receive my SSDI on my first application but I understand that this unusual. I had been advised to get a specialized attorney if I was denied.

 

[dclfun]

I'm thinking the OP was talking about applying for short or long-term disability through what is offered at her husband's place of employment...something he has paid into as a plan offered by his employer. This of course would be different than SSDI. Just wanting to know for sure so people can be helpful with suggestions.---Kathy

 

[Michigan]

My father was denied from both his work and SS for disability after he had his heart attack and open heart surgery. His job required heavy lifting which he could no longer do but was told since he had a work history prior to his surgery he would need to find a job that didn't require lifting. At the time he was 61 and planning on retiring at 65 but just stayed on sick leave from December until May when he turned 62 and took an early retirement.

 

[vhoffman]

What I was looking at is short/long term disability through dh's employer. I understand sometimes employer disability plans require you to apply for SSDI, then if you qualify your employer benefit is reduced by the SSDI amount (say you employer benefit is $2000/month, SSDI gives you $900/month, you get a net check of $1100/month from your employer insurance). If you don't qualify for SSDI its not an automatic exclsuion of employer insurance, it depends on whether you could still do the same type of work whereas SSDI requires that you can't do any substantial gainful work.

I was wondering if the disability must be the reason dh left work (he continued to work after his heart attack), or if it must be a condition that started while he was employed while under the company disability plan.

 

[dclfun]

I know my short/long-term disability at work does not require you to apply for SSDI. I had a co-worker who was out for hip surgery and received short-term benefits as he was out for awhile for rehab. The plan we have *does* require you to be employed at the time you apply for benefits but the disability does not have to relate to employment- it must occur though while you are employed. I would have your husband check his benefit plan statements and/or talk to HR at his workplace since it sounds a little complicated since he was laid off. ---Kathy