If you are disabled or sick to a point where you can’t make it to work, your income may be significantly reduced. When this happens, it will be quite impossible to continue making contributions towards your Social Security retirement benefits, which depend on your earning history. So, to avoid missing out on the benefits you could receive, the Social Security Administration (SSA) came up with the “Social Security disability freeze” to lessen the impact your days out of work could have on your benefits. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What is a Social Security disability freeze?
A Social Security disability freeze is a scheme that stops the SSA from counting the years in which you are too sick or disabled to work. As such, when calculating your benefits, at the time you’ll apply, the Social Security Administration will not penalize you for the months or years you had little or no income to contribute to your benefits. This can result in a higher monthly benefit payment for you during retirement.
When can a Social Security disability occur?
A Social Security disability freeze can occur soon after you stop working. Actually, it’s best to apply immediately you realize you can’t make it to work anymore. You can do this by contacting the SSA to discuss your options. You will need to provide proof of your disability and evidence that you are not working.
Can the SSA reject a freeze?
Yes, the SSA can reject your freeze application if they determine that you are not disabled or if they believe that you will not be able to return to work in the future. In which case, you can start receiving your benefits.
A Social Security disability freeze can greatly help people working in Texas. You need sufficient work credit (40) to qualify for an amount that can actually be sufficient enough to support your needs. Don’t let the few years you spend out of work due to an illness affect this.