Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Q. "How do I qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?"
- Contact the Social Security office for you area for help in obtaining and filling out the necessary
forms.
- Complete an Application for Social Security Benefits and a Disability Report. You also go on line to
www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability
- You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled as it can take three to five
months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to process your application.
Q. "What happens if I am denied Social Security Disability Benefits?"
- Give us a call, we can help you with your appeal.
- You have 60 days from the date you received your denial letter to file an appeal.
- We will file your appeal, request a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and represent you
through the process.
Q. "How will SSA determine if I am eligible for Disability Benefits?"
- The Administrative Law Judge uses a multi-step process to determine if you qualify for Disability
Benefits.
- If you are working your earnings cannot average more than the government-determined Significant
Gainful Activity Level (SGA) a month. This amount changes each year.
- Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work actitives for a least
a year.
- The severity of your medical condition (or combination of medical conditions) must meet or equal
a medical condition listed as an impairment by SSA. If it does not, the Judge will decide if your
medical condition prevents you from being able to do the work you did before.
- If you cannot od the work you did in the past, a judge will determine if you are able to do other work.
- If you are unable to do other work you will be found to be disabled.
The amount of your montly disability benefit is calculated based on your average lifetime earnings. The Social Security Statement your receive every year displays your lifetime earnings and provides an estimate of the disability benefit ot which you may be entitiled if you are found disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Q. "What is SSI?"
SSI provides monthly payments to individuals with low income and few resources who are blind or disabled and who have not worked for a sufficient period of time to have earned the required number of work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Disabled or blind children may also qualify for SSI. The same five step process (laid out above) is used to determine if a disabled individual meets the definition for disability to qualify for SSI.
You can get these forms from your local Social Security Office.