Atticus Explains How Workers Fund Disability Insurance and How to Apply for Benefits

What if one of the most valuable financial protections in your paycheck is something you may not even realize you have?

Millions of American workers contribute to Social Security Disability Insurance through their paychecks, yet many do not know they could qualify for benefits if an illness or injury keeps them from working. New research from Atticus indicates that this lack of awareness may be causing eligible workers to miss out on benefits they have already helped pay for.

The issue goes beyond simple unfamiliarity. It also involves confusion about who is eligible. Atticus found the following:

• Only 15% of people know about the federal disability insurance program they may be able to use if they can no longer work
• Nearly half of workers covered by SSDI believe they do not have disability coverage
• About 50% of workers who may qualify never receive this coverage

Atticus aims to close that gap. The public-interest law firm helps more than 100,000 Americans each year work through the Social Security Disability benefits claims process.

Stephanie Akpa, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Atticus, discussed what people may be entitled to, the misconceptions that can get in the way, and where they can seek assistance.

• What is Social Security Disability Insurance, and are most workers already paying into it?

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is income protection for people whose medical conditions keep them from working for at least a year. It operates as long-term disability insurance and is financed through part of the Social Security taxes paid by workers.

SSDI has two main benefits. One is a monthly payment meant to help replace income a person would have earned if they were still working. The amount depends on the person’s work history and earnings.

The second is health coverage through Medicare, which generally becomes available after a person has received SSDI benefits for 24 months.

• Why do so many eligible workers fail to claim these benefits?

Roughly 94% of U.S. workers already have this insurance, but as many as half of those who qualify never apply. There are several reasons, but Atticus research suggests that a lack of information is a major one.

About half of the workers surveyed said they would have no insurance or income replacement if an illness or injury prevented them from working for a year or longer.

Even fewer people knew basic facts about Social Security Disability Insurance, including that it can open the door to Medicare and that other assets do not affect eligibility. To qualify, the disability must be expected to last at least one year.

• How can Atticus help people figure out whether they qualify?

Atticus says it can help. The firm assists more than 100,000 people each year in finding representation for disability insurance claims.

People can start by completing a short, two-minute survey on a phone or computer. If Atticus believes a person may qualify, it will connect that person with an experienced attorney from its national network of vetted local lawyers.

Getting started is free, with no upfront charges and no fees if the case is lost. Attorney fees are set by the government, and payment is only due if the case succeeds.

• If illness or injury keeps you from working, what should you know?

Three important points stand out.

First, you may already have coverage. SSDI is an earned benefit, so if you have worked, you have likely paid into the system.

Second, do not delay applying. If you or someone you know has a health condition that prevents work, benefits may be available.

Third, help is available. The application process can be complicated, especially when someone is already facing a health crisis. Involving an attorney early can help guide the process and may improve the chances of a successful claim.

Visit Atticus.com and complete the brief two-minute survey to get started. The company says it will take it from there.

For more information, visit ATTICUS.COM.

YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included in this release was part of a media tour produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Atticus.

Media Contact

Michael O’Donnell

D S Simon Media

212-736-2727

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86b1c611-d32b-4cc9-b2da-cd7696f4052d