Social Security FAQ
What types of injuries or illnesses qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits?
In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the Social Security Administration requires that you be “totally disabled” through a “medically determinable impairment”.
If your disability prohibits you from working and you are unable to work in any other field, and your condition is expected to last or has lasted at least 12 months or result in death, you may be eligible to receive Disability benefits.
How Do I apply for SSDI/SSI Benefits?
You can file your claim at the local Social Security office. In some situations, you may also be able to file online at the Social Security Administration’s website, www.ssa.gov.
Click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability Insurance case
Why was my Claim Denied?
Social Security claims can be denied for a wide range of reasons. In fact, most disability claims that are filed are initially denied, but many are awarded after the case is appealed.
The most common reason is that a claim does not have adequate proof of disability. Without concrete medical evidence, such as testimony from a medical professional, the SSA will not agree that an individual is suffering from a disability.
A local Social Security attorney can help you prepare a claim with all of the requirements for your benefits. Even if your claim has already been denied, it’s never too late to work with an attorney.
How Soon Can I start collecting Social Security Benefits?
In order to receive disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. However, that does not mean you must wait for this period to pass before you can file. The Social Security Administration advises that you file your claim as soon as possible after becoming disabled.
Why should you file immediately? Because things move slowly at the Social Security Administration. The typical backlog for new applications and appeals can take several months. In appeal cases, the higher up the appeals chain you get, the larger the backlog typically is.
The good news is that once your case is approved by the SSA, are you eligible to receive benefits from the day you originally filed. If you are considering filing a claim, you can work with a local Social Security attorney to cover the details to help ensure that your claim is approved at the onset.
How Much will my Benefits be?
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the amount you are eligible to receive depends on your FICA tax history. By having payroll taxes deducted from your income, you pay into the Social Security insurance program. The amount you pay each quarter (every three months) over the last 10 years will determine how much you are able to receive. (The 10 year rule is decreased for certain younger workers.) The formula is complex, which is why many Social Security filers choose to consult with an attorney while working on their case.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the amount is based on how much income and assets you have, and what your needs are. A local attorney can help you determine how much SSI you may be eligible to receive.
Find a Social Security Attorney Near You
A local attorney can help you file your claim or appeal a claim that has been denied. If you’re eligible to receive SSDI or SSI benefits, you don’t have to fight for those benefits alone.
Arrange a free legal consultation with a Social Security lawyer today. Simply fill out the quick case review form below to begin the process now.