You may know for certain that you require the financial aid of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. But even if you need these monthly benefits to start urgently, you may be uncertain if you have to undergo a waiting period; that is, if you have recently moved from one state to another. Well, if this is one of your top concerns, please read on to discover whether there is a residency requirement for SSDI benefits and how an attorney seasoned in SSDI eligibility in New Jersey, at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur, can ensure you meet all the necessary criteria for this application.
Are there residency requirements to be eligible for SSDI benefits?
You may let out a sigh of relief, learning that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not concerned over whether you have changed state residences right before filing your SSDI benefits applications. That is, the Administration may only care if you have legal citizenship status in the United States. And with that, so long as you have this status, it may not even matter if you are currently living here or in a foreign country.
This is simply because your SSDI benefits depend on the taxes you paid into the Social Security system during your working years. If you contributed enough, this may be what matters most, along with, of course, meeting the disability eligibility requirements.
Say that, instead, you are classified as a lawful permanent resident, a temporary foreign worker, or a veteran or active duty member of the U.S. military. Well, by federal law, it is likely that you are or were covered by the U.S. Social Security program. The only exception to this may be if you worked part-time in the country while using a student visa or a visitor visa. Thus, after confirming this with your hired attorney, you should proceed with your benefits petition.
What if I want to apply for state-funded disability programs?
Besides the federal SSDI benefits program, the state of New Jersey offers two disability programs: NJ WorkAbility and NJ ABLE. For one, NJ WorkAbility is designated for working individuals with disabilities who were denied full Medicaid coverage. While you may believe that you fit the mold for this, you must understand that one of the eligibility requirements is that you be a New Jersey resident. Usually, this means that you must reside in New Jersey for most of the calendar year (i.e., more than six months per year).
Secondly, NJ ABLE provides individuals access to bank accounts that grow tax-deferred earnings and let them withdraw savings tax-free for disability-related expenses and other qualified expenses. Notably, this program allows in-state and out-of-state residents to be account holders. Of course, there are other parameters, such as having incurred your disability before turning 26 years old, already being deemed eligible for SSDI/SSI benefits, being legally blind, or having a serious disability backed by your treating physician.
To ensure your benefits application is well fleshed out, please seek the aid of an attorney competent in SSDI eligibility in New Jersey. You may rest better knowing that the team at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur will not let you enter this legal process without being properly prepared. So please pick up the phone and request our services today.
