What is a Social Security disability freeze?

On Behalf of | Apr 27, 2022 | Social Security Disability

Suffering an extended illness or injury can result in financial instability. This can be an unfortunate result of having to take time off from your job in New Jersey. The amount of time that you take can be more than your employer is able to grant. Loss of employment can have a negative effect on SSDI benefits.

How does an SSDI disability freeze work?

The amount of your total Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will be determined by your 35 highest-earning years. The agency will adjust them to the current rate of historical wage growth. It will then use this figure to determine an average monthly income. The annually adjusted cap considered for this figure in 2022 will come to $147,000.

If you have not worked for long periods during these years, the amount of your disability may be lowered or eliminated. A disability freeze works to avert this dire outcome. It ensures that you won’t have to suffer a serious reduction in the benefits that you should be eligible for.

How can you qualify for a disability freeze?

There are a number of ways that you can qualify for a freeze on your SSDI benefits. First, you will need to have worked for a sufficient amount of time to pay enough in Social Security taxes. This will enable you to qualify for SSDI and a subsequent benefits freeze.

You will need to have applied for SSDI during a period of disability or no more than 12 months after your disability ended. The freeze will cover the period that you were not able to work.

Your condition must meet the official Social Security definition of a disability. This is a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least one year or could result in your death.

FindLaw Network