Odds are you won’t need it. Odds are if you do need it, Social Security Disability is a lifesaver. Nearly one out of every six working-age Americans – 29.5 million people – has a disability, making them much more likely to experience economic hardship than those without disabilities.
“The Ins and Outs of Social Security Disability” is a 90-minute presentation about the program, requirements for eligibility, extended family benefits and opportunities to return to gainful employment.
The presentation will be offered at 4 p.m. on March 23 at the Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities (TACID), 6315 S. 19th Street in Tacoma. The presenter will be Kirk Larson, Western Washington Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration. Kirk has worked with the agency for over 23 years in both technical and managerial roles. The event is sponsored by Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources, Center for Independence, Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities and TACID.
The presentation’s focus will be an updated overview of the program, how the application process works, eligibility for benefits, appeals for denied claims, questions about benefits and how benefits are calculated. Attendees are asked to create your “my Social Security Account” before attending the class, print out, and bring your Social Security Statement if you are not currently receiving benefits. Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program was originally created to allow workers who become disabled to receive their Social Security retirement benefits early. Today, the assistance that disability insurance provides makes it possible for individuals with severe disabilities and health conditions to live independently, keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, and pay for needed, often life-sustaining medications and other basic expenses.
Each month the Social Security Administration receives over 160,000 applications for the disability program. Typically about 60,000 of those applications are approved. Monthly benefits are payable from the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds. Disabled workers made up nearly 15% of the total number of beneficiaries in December, 2015.
RSVPs for “The Ins and Outs of Social Security Disability” are not required. There is no charge for the event. For more information, contact the Pierce County ADRC at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.
