Applying for Social Security disability benefits can feel like navigating a maze. It’s often a complex process with tons of paperwork. But understanding recent social security disability changes with work history requirements may help you prepare for what’s to come.
In this post, you’ll learn how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if an adult has a qualifying disability. You’ll also discover the five-step evaluation process and how a new rule makes qualifying for benefits easier.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) vs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security offers two disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both use the same definition of disability. The SSA uses the same five-step process to determine eligibility for both. However, these programs differ in a couple of key areas:
Work History Requirements
The SSDI program offers disability benefits based on your work history and how much you paid into Social Security. With SSI, you aren’t required to have work history to receive benefits. However, income limits apply.
Monthly Payment Amount
How much you’re eligible to receive from Social Security each month differs for SSDI and SSI. With SSDI, your average lifetime earnings determine your monthly benefits.
The SSA bases SSI payments on a federal baseline amount. But the agency also factors in income and where you live. The 2024 SSI Federal Payment Standard is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
Five Steps to Determine Disability
To determine if you have a qualifying disability for SSDI or SSI, Social Security follows a five-step sequential evaluation process. The SSA will stop and award benefits if you meet the requirements at any step in the process. If not, they’ll move on to the next step.
These are the five steps:
- Are you working?
- Is your condition “severe”?
- Is your condition on the list of disabling conditions?
- Can you do the work you did before your medical condition?
- Can you do any other type of work?
Why Recent Social Security Disability Changes Matter
On April 18, 2024, the SSA published a final rule about past relevant work in an effort to simplify disability benefits applications and shorten wait times for a decision. This new rule impacts those receiving benefits and provides helpful information about social security online. According to Social Security Commissioner, Martin O’Malley, “This new rule will lessen the burden and time our applicants face when filling out information about their work history. It also makes it easier to focus on the most current and relevant details about their past work.”
Past Relevant Work Changes
The final rule included two key changes to Step Four of the five-step evaluation process. These social security disability changes help streamline the disability benefits process.
Reduced Lookback Period
Previously, applicants were required to provide 15 years of work history. Because many found this difficult, their applications were often incomplete or contained inaccuracies. The new rule shortens that timeframe. Effective June 22, 2024, the SSA will only review the past five years of work history for anyone seeking disability benefits.
Minimum Work Duration Requirement
The agency will no longer consider jobs that lasted less than 30 days when determining whether someone can perform past relevant work.
FAQs about Social Security Disability Changes
How long can a person stay on Social Security disability?
The short answer to this question is—it depends. But your disability benefits continue as long as your condition prevents you from working. At a minimum, your condition must be expected to last or have already lasted a full 12 months or result in death.
What changes are coming to Social Security in 2024?
Recent changes to past relevant work requirements mark the first of many initiatives. Social Security has announced plans to reduce barriers, improve customer service, and reduce processing times by streamlining aspects of the SSDI and SSI programs. You can learn more about these changes and other services online through the Social Security Administration.
What’s new for Social Security disability?
For starters, the SSA announced a new final rule in April. One of the updates included in this rule reduced the work history requirement for disability benefits applications from 15 years to five. Other changes impacting customer service and processing times are coming soon. You may also qualify for Medicare benefits if you receive Social Security disability benefits.
What is the five-year rule for Social Security disability?
The SSA’s new five-year rule changes part of the agency’s five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility. As of June 22, 2024, applicants only have to provide the past five years of work history. The SSA will no longer review work history going back 15 years.
Conclusion
Navigating the intricacies of social security disability changes can feel daunting. But understanding the latest updates, particularly those related to work history, can make a difference.
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The information provided in this blog article is intended to be general in nature and should not be construed as legal advice. Social Security laws and regulations are subject to, and often change. Please consult the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website or contact SSLG for advice regarding your specific legal matters.