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If you cannot work due to a severe medical condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. If you also have protection through a long-term disability insurance plan, these benefits may interact with each other. A Social Security Disability attorney with our law firm can tell you more about receiving concurrent benefits and help you seek the maximum possible payments.
You Can Receive Both Long-Term Disability and Social Security Disability
Private long-term disability (LTD) insurance can protect you if you become unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition. You may also be eligible for monthly payments via public Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
However, if you have LTD and also qualify for SSDI, you will likely be unable to collect the full amount of both benefits simultaneously. The details of your LTD policy may require a reduction or “offset” of your LTD benefits by the amount of your SSDI benefits.
If you have LTD insurance and are seeking Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the policy will count as a resource when determining your financial eligibility.
How SSDI May Offset Your LTD Payments
Your LTD insurer will likely require you to apply for SSDI. Your insurance provider will then “offset” or reduce your LTD payments by the amount of SSDI you receive.
So, for example, if your LTD policy provides you with $2,000 per month and you qualify for $1,000 per month in SSDI, you would not get $3,000. You would still receive $2,000 monthly, with $1,000 coming from your LTD and $1,000 coming from SSDI.
Other benefits can also interact with LTD and SSDI, including workers’ compensation. Our firm’s attorneys can answer any additional questions you may have about how other forms of insurance may affect Social Security Disability or LTD payments.
Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?
You may be eligible for SSDI if you have paid Social Security payroll taxes and have a medical condition that prevents you from working.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you generally need 40 work credits (20 in the previous 10 years) to qualify for SSDI, though younger workers may qualify with fewer. You earn work credits through the Social Security taxes you pay and can earn up to four credits per year.
You must also have a severe medical condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). The 2025 SGA limit is $1,620. If you can make this much monthly through work, the SSA does not consider you disabled. Your condition must also have lasted or be expected to last one year or result in death.
Should You Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Applying for SSDI is a complex process, and many claimants receive a notice of denial on their first attempt. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you:
- Collect and gather the necessary documents and evidence – You will need to supply the SSA with extensive documentation regarding your work history and medical condition. We can help you collect and submit the evidence needed to support your claim and help you avoid common errors that could result in delayed payments or a denial of your benefits.
- Appeal denied SSDI claims – If the SSA denies your initial application, we can guide you through the appeals process and help you bolster your claim. We are prepared to represent you during an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing or in federal court when necessary.
- Handle issues with your LTD insurer – We can help streamline communications with your LTD insurance provider so they know about the status of your SSDI claim and the benefits you receive. We will ensure that the offset amount is correct and that you are receiving all of the payments you qualify for.
Contact Disability Advocates Group
We help clients in Los Angeles seek the Social Security Disability they need to safeguard their health and finances if a severe injury or illness prevents them from working. Let us fight for you. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation.
