Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federally funded programs to provide financial assistance to people who have disabilities and are unable to work because of the severity and/or nature of these disabilities. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To qualify for either program, an individual must have a recognized disability and meet various medical criteria.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a program designed to help those individuals who become disabled and are no longer able to work in their respective jobs. Social Security Disability Insurance is a wage earner based program. To qualify, an individual must have paid Social Security taxes for a specified period of time. Generally, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for five out of past ten years in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. In addition, an individual must also qualify by having a medical condition that meets the Social Security definition of disability and have a disability that renders them unable to work for at least 12 months.
If an individual meets the above criteria, the Social Security Administration pays monthly cash benefits. The monthly benefits continue until the individual is able to return to gainful employment.
Supplemental Security Income is a benefit program that is designed for individuals with low income and very few assets. Supplemental Security Income benefits do not have the work requirements that Social Security Disability Income benefits have, however individuals must be found disabled according to the same criteria as (SSDI) benefits.
The Social Security Benefits Application Process: Your initial application for benefits can be filled out 1) Online, using the Social Security website: www.socialsecurity.gov; 2) By calling 1-800-772-1213; 3) Or by visiting your local Social Security office.
The Social Security Benefits Decision Process: At the first level of the determination process, a representative from your local Social Security office reviews your application, gathers the necessary information and forwards your application onto a state agency that is designated with making the initial decision regarding your benefits. Social Security uses a five-step process to determine whether the applicant should receive benefits, asking:
1) Whether the applicant is working;
2) Whether the medical condition is severe enough to render the applicant disabled;
3) Whether the impairment is on a government list of impairments granting automatic disability status (if the impairment is not on the list that does not necessarily disqualify the applicant).
4) Whether the applicant can do the work he or she did before.
5) What other types of work the applicant can to do.
After a total consideration of an individual’s file, Social Security will mail the applicant a decision. In the event that you receive a denial on the initial application, there is an appeals process in which an applicant has the opportunity to have their claim heard in front of an administrative law judge, represented by an attorney.
Stanley Law Offices handles claims for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income at all stages of the process. Do not get discouraged if your initial application is denied. The majority of applications are denied at the initial stage of the process and our office is focused on assisting you in getting the benefits you have earned and deserve.
We are there to assist in the filing of your initial application, making sure you have all the necessary materials and there to assist you will any questions you may have. In the event you are denied, we will submit a brief on your behalf and represent you at a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. All initial consultations with our office are always free. If you have questions regarding the Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, please do not hesitate to contact Stanley Law Offices at 1-800-372-3760. We are there for you.
