Are Disability Benefits Offered for Disabilities that Come and Go?
Many people have disabilities that do not stay consistently severe all the time. This leaves people wondering if they can still qualify for disability benefits if their disability symptoms come and go. The answer depends on the type of disability, severity of symptom flare-ups, and longevity of the disability. You can also ask a Wilmington disability attorney about your options.
OPTIONS FOR OFF AND ON DISABILITIES
There are several types of disability benefits programs out there. These programs are designed to replace lost income as a result of reduced work hours caused by the 
disability. The two types of disability benefits programs out there are government programs and private disability insurance.
Private disability insurance may have less strict standards compared to the government disability benefits programs under the Social Security Administration (SSA). Some private disability insurance companies offer long-term policies that pay until the disability ends. Other insurance companies offer short-term policies that pay for disabilities that last two years or less.
Some employers offer these types of private disability insurance policies. In other cases, a person with a short-term disability may need to find a private disability insurance company to work with. Each private disability insurance company has its own rules and eligibility criteria for benefits.
The SSA disability programs offered are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both of these programs require the person to have a severe disability that is expected to last at least one year or lead to an early death. People with disabilities listed in the SSA Blue Book will have an easier time qualifying for benefits.
Whereas those with disabilities not listed may or may not qualify depending on other factors. Try contacting a Wilmington disability lawyer if you have any concerns about whether you might qualify for disability benefits.
HOW SSA DISABILITY BENEFITS WORK
SSA disability benefits operate under continuing eligibility. The way continuing eligibility for disability benefits works is that once the disability is no longer interfering with work performance, benefits can be taken away. Depending on the type of disability, the SSA may review eligibility for benefits every year or every several years.
If a significant medical improvement is found, then disability benefits could be removed. The improvement must result in the person being able to return to work or perform substantial gainful activity. In other words, when evaluations during the review reveal the person could return to work, then benefits could be revoked.
Those with disabilities that come and go may still qualify if the flare-ups are severe and expected to continue for a year or longer. Multiple sclerosis, psychosis, seizure disorders, and migraines are some examples.
DISABILITY ATTORNEYS IN DELAWARE
Finding out your disability benefits could be taken away is stressful. Reach out to a Delaware disability lawyer to explore your options if your disability benefits are taken away. Start by contacting Edelstein Martin & Nelson by dialing (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation today. Our team of attorneys is ready to help you find ways to secure the disability benefits you need.
