Social Security Disability Benefits for the Loss of a Leg

Losing a leg forever changes the life of the amputee. One of your first concerns may be how to replace or generate income after such a loss. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides income for you if you suffer the loss of a limb as well as help finding work in another field if necessary. You can also become eligible for Medicare or Medicaid due to your situation. To apply, call 800-772-1213 or go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline/.

Social Security Disability Insurance

• After you are injured, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI benefits are monthly payments to people who have worked for at least five of the 10 years before their injury. Monthly SSDI checks are based on the income you received from the best 35 years you have worked.

Supplemental Security Income

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are for those that have not worked at least five of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. The monthly payments are based on your living circumstances, such as whether you have a roommate or live alone, and any other sources of income you have from a spouse, bequest or other source. The maximum monthly allowance for SSI is $674 a month.

Vocational Help

• The Social Security Administration offers vocational assistance and work incentive programs for people with a disability. The SSA will help you find employers who are open to hiring disabled people. If you try to work, the maximum you can earn each month is $1,000 gross and still get your monthly benefits. You can also do a trial work period where you can earn as much as you can for nine months over a five-year period and not lose your benefits.

Medical Benefits

• You can become a member of medicare or medicaid if getting disability insurance.

  After two years of getting SSDI benefits, you will be eligible for Medicare benefits even if you are not 65. You will usually also be Medicaid eligible from the beginning if you are receiving SSI benefits.

Warnings

• If you are getting workman's compensation or other benefits from your state, any Social Security income you apply for will be reduced based on what you already get. If it is more than 80 percent of the earnings you made before the injury, then you will not be able to receive Social Security benefits. If what you get from other sources changes, you can apply again or get your benefits recalculated. You can also apply for SSI or SSDI multiple times for the same injury if you are not awarded any benefits the first time.