Filing for Social Security Disability in Wichita

SSDI (Social Security disability insurance) is a government-sponsored program giving benefits to those who cannot work, but are otherwise qualified. To receive social security disability in Wichita, a person must be enrolled and meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Benefit amounts are based on the amount of Social Security taxes paid during one’s career, but the amount can be reduced if other disability payments are received.
How SSDI Benefits are Determined
The SSA uses the AIME (average indexed monthly earnings) and PIA (primary insurance amount) to determine monthly benefits. The formula is very complicated, and most people don’t want to try to calculate their own benefits because the SSA provides estimates. Below is more information on how benefits are calculated:
AIME: The first step in determining earnings is to find the AIME. The SSA finds it by adjusting lifetime earnings to include wage increases; this is done to ensure that future payments reflect the increase in pay. The SSA uses 35 years of a person’s work history in this calculation, rounding down the average to find the AIME.
PIA: Your primary insurance amount is the least you can receive. The Social Security Administration uses three percentages from your AIME to determine the PIA.
Back Pay
By the time a person receives social security disability in Wichita, most are eligible for back pay. The number of months to be received depends on the application date, and the date of disability as determined by the SSA (the onset date). The amount of back pay is tied to the monthly benefit amount.
The Waiting Period
Once a claim is approved, clients must endure a five month wait, starting at the onset date, before they can receive benefits. To get the most back pay possible, a person must have an onset date of one year and five months prior to the application date.
Offsets for Other Income Sources
Other disability payments such as worker’s compensation can reduce a person’s benefit amount, in a practice called offsetting. Some disability payments, such as private insurance and veteran’s benefits, do not affect the monthly benefit amount. For more information on SSDI and help with filing a claim, consult the law offices of Business Name.