Should I apply for SSD before I'm 30?

Question from Myriam:

Hi,

My name is Myriam and i have pulmonary hipertension. I just recently become american citizen and i have been working a part time job since 2003 i make 6,500 per year.

My question should i apply for ssd before i am 30. I am 28. I tried to understan the law and i need credit... but the long that you wait more credits do you need. I am still in good health i can do thinks but should i apply . I have insurence by my husband job is hmo if i get ssd i get another insurance. Could you explain me more.

Thanks
Myriam

Response from Alan:

Hello Myriam,

Here are some answers to your questions:

"SHOULD I APPLY FOR SSD BEFORE I AM 30?"

For you, the decision to file should be related to your medical condition and level of earnings, not to your age. I can see no reason to hurry and apply solely because you are approaching 30. If you earned $6500 each year from 2003 through 2007, you will have accumulated 20 work credits (4 per year in each of those 5 years.) That is sufficient to cover you for Social Security disability, even after age 30.

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"I AM STILL IN GOOD HEALTH"br>
On the surface, this would indicate you do not qualify for SSD. People who are truly in "good health" can't be found disabled. However you began your question by saying you have PH. I'm guessing that by "good health" you mean that in spite of the limits on your energy, you manage your illness well.

Social Security Disability is an insurance program to replace lost wages when someone becomes permanently and totally disabled. "Permanent" means that their disability is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death earlier. "Total" means they lack the ability to earn substantial wages from any type of work.

At $6500 per year, your wages from part-time work probably aren't "substantial" by Social Security's definition. They could be up to $1000 per month in 2010 and still not be considered "substantial." If you earn about the same amount each month of the year, your wages would be below that level.

It will be your medical condition that determines whether or not your claim would be awarded, and the only way to find out for sure is to actually apply for benefits.

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"IF I GET SSD, I GET ANOTHER INSURANCE."br>
If you receive Social Security Disability, you will be covered by Medicare beginning with the 25th month of SSD benefits. As long as you have coverage under your husband's plan, Medicare would be the secondary insurance. The HMO plan would pay first, then Medicare would pay what your HMO coverage does not pay.

I hope this helps with your questions--

Alan

February 15, 2008