How Private Insurance Differs From SSDI

Anyone who has worked for long enough while contributing to Social Security will be covered under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Once your information has been processed, you will receive monthly payments. An average recipient receives a little over $1,000 a month. 

Qualifying for SSDI

To be able to qualify for SSDI, you must meet very strict requirements for disability. For example, you must show that you are not able to work any longer in your current occupation. Your disability must make it impossible to return to work within a year. You must also be unable to find work that you can adjust to. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Insurance

Given that you might not meet the requirements of SSDI, you may purchase private insurance to try to bridge the gap. However, there are some disadvantages to private insurance. For one, you are required to pay a monthly premium. With SSDI, you are already paying for your benefits through taxes. However, if you can afford to pay for private insurance or if you receive private insurance from your employer, the insurance policy can provide you with more financial security on top of your SSDI benefits.

Private Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions

One of the challenges of private insurance is that you will often be charged more if you have a pre-existing condition. In contrast, you will be paid the same benefits under SSDI regardless of the state of your health. There is no health screening to qualify for SSDI benefits.

Make Sure to Purchase Insurance When You Are Young

Because of the health restrictions for private insurance, the best time to purchase it is when you are young and healthy. Then, you will be paying into your health insurance program long enough to justify receiving benefits when you are older or when you are ill. Make sure to consistently make monthly payments, because if you fail to make your payments, you will have your insurance policy cancelled. 

Fighting for Your Right to SSDI Benefits

If you are not able to receive your SSDI benefits because the state believes that you do not qualify, you should not give up fighting. Your benefits are your right as a taxpayer. Even if you are receiving payments from your private insurer, you should also seek SSDI benefits. For this reason, make sure to contact a Social Security Disability attorney who can help you fight for your rights.