If you’re disabled, you know that there are many obstacles that can come your way. An unexpected illness or condition may force you to stop working. While you may receive sick leave, that might reduce your future Social Security benefits. Luckily, a Social Security disability freeze may help you get benefits without being penalized for the time you didn’t work or receive any earnings. Read on to learn more about the disability freeze.
The basics of Social Security benefits
When you apply for Social Security benefits, your employment history is usually used to determine how much money you can receive. The Social Security Administration typically takes 35 of your best years into account to determine your average monthly income and the basic benefit that you’re eligible for. Unfortunately, if you were unable to work during that time, your benefits may get reduced.
How does the Social Security disability freeze help you?
The Social Security Administration will suspend the use of your employment history when determining how much money you can receive if you’re unable to work for a period of time. This Social Security disability freeze will allow the SSA to use your earnings from years you worked instead. The Social Security Administration will determine if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Eligibility requirements for the Social Security disability freeze
To qualify, you need to have worked enough and paid Social Security taxes. You also need to have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least 12 months or will result in death. Also, you need to be unable to work as a result of your disability. You’ll also need to meet other requirements, such as age limits, to qualify for the benefits.
Through this program, you can still receive your disability benefits even if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working during your productive years. If your employment history doesn’t meet the criteria of Social Security benefits, the “freeze” may provide you with an opportunity to avoid any penalties in future when you retire.
