In 2014, there were only two days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day that did not involve a fatal alcohol-related accident in Texas. Many people lose their lives—and many people are seriously injured—in alcohol-related accidents during the holiday season. If you’ve been hurt, or if your loved one has been injured, there are some things you need to know about Social Security disability.
Three Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security Disability
Before you begin a Social Security disability application, it is important to know that:
- You may be eligible for benefits if your injury is totally disabling and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You may not receive Social Security disability benefits for temporary injuries or any injuries that leave you less than permanently disabled.
- You may be able to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit and benefits from Social Security disability. Personal injury damages and Social Security disability benefits serve two very different purposes. Personal injury damages are meant to compensate you for someone else’s negligence while Social Security disability benefits are meant to help replace some of your lost income if (and only if) you are totally disabled.
- Your application for benefits will not be treated differently than other applications because you were hurt by a drunk driver. You will have to meet the same eligibility requirements as everyone else.
If you have additional questions about your Social Security disability eligibility or the application process, we encourage you to download a free copy of our book, Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know today.
by Paul B. Burkhalter Managing Partner of Morgan Weisbrod , Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.