Hackensack Social Security Disability Law Blog

New Jersey readers may be interested to know that as of April 2012, there were 10.8 million individuals on federal disability rolls. This figure marks a 53 percent increase from just 10 years ago, and some are sounding the alarm. Since the recession technically ended nearly three years ago, some 4.7 million workers were added to the Social Security disability insurance program, while job growth in non-farm payrolls for the same period has increased 2.3 million. The burning question is what does it all mean? The answer, of course, depends on who you talk to.

The overriding factor behind the statistics appears to be the still-lagging economy in the aftermath of the recession. This has led some people, perhaps discouraged by the ongoing difficulty in finding gainful employment, to file for disability benefits when they believe they may qualify. This, combined with the expansion of general qualification guidelines in 1984 and the continual addition of women to the workforce, is said to be responsible for the increase. In the last three and a half years, it is said the Social Security disability rolls have attracted some 5.4 million new enrollees.

Every year the Social Security Board of Trustees releases a report concerning Social Security retirement and disability programs, which together accounted for some 36 percent of all expenditures by the federal government for fiscal year 2011. This year's report reiterated growing concerns that the trust funds for these two crucial government programs may run out sooner than expected. While it is believed there is enough money to cover the next 20 years, projections indicate that in 2033 the trust funds could be operating in the red. That, in turn, could negatively affect Social Security disability payments for New Jersey residents.

Indeed, the report gauges that absent congressional intervention, beginning after 2033, it is calculated that the trust funds would only support about 75 percent of the current level of benefits. In last year's report, it was estimated that the Social Security disability trust fund would be fully covered through 2036. This year's report cut two years off that calculation, indicating that the fund will be depleted in 2034.

Social Security disability benefits are available to those New Jersey residents who cannot work because they are suffering from a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or could result in death. The federal benefit program is managed through the Social Security Administration, and there are specific qualifying guidelines and procedures that must be followed in applying for coverage.

Many individuals who may qualify for Social Security disability benefits are confused and even intimidated by the red tape that surrounds the process, leaving many unsure about how to apply and secure the benefits they need. Most experts recommend that the application be completed as soon as the disability is discovered, in part because the sometimes lengthy process could leave deserving recipients out in the cold because it takes, on average, three to five months to process an application.

Psychiatric disabilities and other mental conditions may qualify an individual for Social Security disability benefits in New Jersey. First, the individual claiming psychiatric disabilities must be unable to obtain or sustain continued employment due to the condition. Second, his or her income level must not exceed the qualifying limit. When those two general conditions have been met, an application to receive benefits for Social Security disability benefits may be appropriate. Some individuals, however, are perplexed by the process and unsure of the manner in which they should proceed to obtain all applicable benefits.

Typically, the process begins with the written application. Identifying information is required, along with a detailed work history, description of any claimed psychiatric disabilities and a complete medical history. Family and educational background information is also required. Once the basic application is prepared and submitted, it is reviewed and requests are issued to supply missing documentation from employers, doctors and others.