Baltimore – How Long Does It Take To Get Temporary Disability Benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration, more than 8.8 million people collect Social Security disability benefits because of a long-term disability that prevents them from working. Sometimes, however, an illness or injury may require less time away from work than would qualify for long-term disability benefits through Social Security.
If you are in need of temporary disability in Baltimore, this article looks at the option available to you through the state Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) in Maryland. You must meet all of the eligibility requirements for the TDAP in order to be approved for benefits.
As you continue reading, keep in mind that a temporary disability advocate at London Disability is an excellent source for advice and assistance with all types of disability programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for disabilities expected to last for at least 12 months and temporary disability benefits through the state.
How To Get Temporary Disability Benefits Through TDAP
Only a handful of states have laws making it mandatory for employers to provide short-term or temporary disability benefits. The only way to get temporary disability benefits through a state program in Maryland is through the TDAP provided you need the eligibility requirements.
In order to receive temporary disability in Baltimore through the TDAP is to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be disabled.
- You must meet the low-income standards for the program.
- You cannot have any children younger than age 18 living with you.
- You must have a medical condition preventing you from working for at least three months.
You cannot receive monthly benefits payments for more than 12 months during a 36-month period unless you have an application pending for Supplemental Security Income benefits. If an SSI application is pending, TDAP benefits will continue until there has been a decision to approve or deny your request for SSI.
What Does low-income Mean For Purposes Of TDAP Eligibility?
You may not have countable income exceeding $185 to be eligible for TDAP benefits. If you are married and living with your spouse, a portion of your spouse’s monthly earnings count as income available to you.
An asset or resource limit also applies to determining eligibility for the TDAP. Monthly assets available to you cannot exceed $1,500. It’s a good idea to have a temporary disability advocate at London Disability review your income and assets because not all income and not all assets count in determining eligibility for temporary disability benefits. For example, some educational grants and job-training stipends do not count as income, and some resources, such as personal clothing, household furnishings, and a motor vehicle, do not count against the asset limit.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Temporary Disability?
An application for TDAP must be filed with your local Department of Social Services office in Baltimore. The review process normally takes about 30 days for a decision to be made and for notice sent to you of approval or denial of the request for benefits.
Filing an incomplete application that does not contain all of the information required for the state to make a decision about your eligibility for benefits is a common reason for a delay beyond the 30-day period. Working with a temporary disability advocate is a good way to avoid omissions and mistakes that can unnecessarily delay the processing of your application.
Appealing A Denial Of TDAP Benefits
You have the right to appeal a denial or other adverse decision, but you have only 90 days from the decision to file your appeal. If you fail to file within 90 days, you lose your right to appeal.
If you receive TDAP benefits terminated or reduced, you have the right to appeal the decision. You have 90 days to file an appeal, but if you file within 10 days from when you receive the notice of reduction or termination, you may ask that the benefits be continued pending the determination of your appeal.
If you file after the 10 days, you still have the right to appeal, but the reduction or termination goes into effect while the appeal is pending. The best thing to do when you receive a denial of benefits or a notice that benefits that you have been receiving will be reduced or terminated is to schedule a consultation with a temporary disability advocate as soon as you receive the notice from the state.
Contact A Baltimore Temporary Disability Advocate Today
If you need assistance with the preparation and filing of an application for temporary disability or you have been denied TDAP benefits or had benefits reduced or terminated, contact London Disability to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable temporary disability advocate. An advocate is available to discuss all disability programs from TDAP for short-term disability to SSDI and SSI for long-term disability. Contact London Disability today to schedule a free consultation and claim review with a disability advocate.