Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
If you are disabled and have been unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance, known as SSDI or SSD, or Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI.
Call us at 765-447-5588 to find out if you qualify for Social Security benefits. An attorney can review your case, free of charge, and help you plan your next steps.
Two Types of Social Security Disability
Both SSDI and SSI are federal programs designed to help those who cannot work because of disability, but they are funded from different sources and are provided to people in different situations:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI): This program is funded by contributions to Social Security and does not have income limits. It is built for people who have paid Social Security taxes in the past but are in need of their Social Security benefits prior to retirement age based on a disabling physical or mental illness or an injury.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is supported by general tax revenues, and provides income for elderly, blind, and disabled people with little or no income, to help them cover their basic needs.
Social Security Disability Benefits Eligibility
As you may know, the federal government's Social Security Administration has specific eligibility requirements for disability benefits. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, a person needs to document a medical condition that keeps them from working enough to support themselves. According to Social Security Online:
"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
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You cannot do work that you did before;
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We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
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Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
(Source: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify4.htm)
We Can Help You Make Sense of It All. The Consultation Is Free.
Regardless of the type of disability you are facing, our experienced lawyer can review your medical situation and help determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Whether you are at the very early stages of thinking about SSD or SSI or you have been denied benefits, our lawyer can help you sort it all out.
Come visit our office in Lafayette, Indiana. We will review your case, free of charge, to help you figure out if you qualify for Social Security (SS) Disability benefits. Call us at 765-447-5588.