AFTER 5 YEARS PASS, DISABILTY BENEFITS EVAPORATE

Let's say you work for 18 years and pay into the Social Security fund.  You are covered if a qualifying disability befalls you.  But let's say you stop working after 18 years, even though you are only 40 years old.  

Did you know that 5 years after you stop working, your disability coverage evaporates?  True.  After about 5 years you are no longer eligible to receive disability benefits for a new claim, no matter how long you have paid into the system.  Your FICA tax contributions are lost forever, returned to the trust fund for others to use. (If you begin receiving disability benefits prior to the end of the 5 year period, you may continue to receive them for as long as you are disabled).

Social Security disability coverage is earned by work credits.  In 2016, a "quarter of coverage" is any calendar quarter in which you earn at least $1,260.  You may accumulate 4 quarters each year.  Most persons need to have worked about 5 out of the most recent 10 year period to have coverage for a new disability claim.  Younger workers may be required to have fewer work credits.


 www.ForsytheFirm.com

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