Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Assistance from Attorney

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be difficulty due to the different requirements for each program and the issues that are involved in the entire application process. It is fortunate that you can increase your chances of having a successful application or claim by working with a Social Security Disability attorney.

Remember that acquiring legal help is important because a simple mistake that you make while applying like failure to provide a certain document or record can result in the denial of your application.

Before you apply for disability benefits, your attorney will first try to determine what program is best suitable for you. In addition, he will also find out if you are really eligible to receive disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) only provides disability benefits to people who are suffering from a medical condition that prevents them from working and will last for at least a year or may cause their death.

SSDI

It is a federal program that gives monthly payments to you and some of your family members if you have paid your Social Security taxes and earned enough work credits. The credits that you will likely need is based on your age and the date when you were disabled. For example, you should have earned at least 20 work credits within the last 10 years prior to your disability.

If the SSA approves your application, the amount of benefits that you will receive will depend on your earnings record and age.

SSI

It is a joint program between state governments and SSA, meaning your eligibility and the amount of disability benefits that you will receive will be based on where you live.

You may be entitled to apply for SSI benefits if you are blind, disabled, or at least 65-years-old. Aside from these basic requirements, SSA will also look at your income and resources before it decide if you are eligible for this program.

Income

It is the money that you are receiving like pensions, wages, and Social Security benefits. In addition, it also covers the following:

• If you are employed, the agency will also count your net earnings
• Contributions or gifts
• Inheritance in property or cash
• Rental income





Resources

You may be entitled to receive SSI benefits if the amount of you resources will not exceed $2,000. Meanwhile, if you are married, your resources should not be over $3,000.

Here are some examples of resources:

• Cash
• Savings and checking account
• U.S. Saving Bonds