Applying for Social Security disability is a very difficult and emotional process. You need to look at yourself in the mirror and say “I am disabled and I need help.” When you are a parent it is often times even more difficult to ask for help. You are used to being the provider, supporter and nurturer. However, in many scenarios it becomes mandatory to apply for Social Security disability benefits when there is an overflow of medical expenses. Receiving Social Security disability benefits as a stay-at-home parent is more difficult than you envisioned. Here is why:
Imagine This
Imagine you have worked for over 18 years of your life. You have put in very many hours and paid taxes. You and your spouse have decided that you are ready to begin your family. Once the child has arrived you come to an agreement that it would be best for your family for you to be a stay-at-home parent. With a few shifts to your household budget, you decide this is possible. Months at home becomes years and you now have a new full-time job of raising children at home. One day you are involved in a devastating accident that threatens to destroy your family unit and finances. It is diagnosed as a life-threatening diagnosis that disables you for the rest of your life.
Applying For SSD Benefits
Out of pocket costs began to become more than you are prepared for. It has become time to apply to the government program you have paid into for over 18 years – Social Security Disability Insurance. You are confident that you will receive the benefits. You understand your disabilities and the restrictions it poses on your everyday life.
Your Claim Is Denied
Your claim has been denied, do you know why? It is a very little known fact that when one leaves the workforce for more than five years – Social Security disability benefits evaporate. It does not matter how long you have worked for and paid taxes. The money you have paid into the system are gone, given to other disabled individuals to use. Five consecutive years out of the workforce is all it takes to lose your Social Security disability benefits.
Source: Huffington Post Politics
