If you have recently become disabled, whether due to injury or illness, you should open your Social Security Disability claim as soon as possible. However, you shouldn’t embark on this complicated legal journey on your own. Although it is possible to represent yourself in an SSDI application claim, it is unlikely that you will get approved the very first time. A Social Security lawyer, on the other hand, knows all of the ins and outs of the system and can create your claim in a way that tremendously increases your chances of approval, the very first round.
What is SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSI, is a federally funded program available for disabled citizens who are no longer able to work as a direct cause of their disability.
The program is funded through payroll taxes, and therefore, people can only become insured through SSDI if they contributed to the program for a certain number of years over their entire working career. There are additional requirements, like being under the age of 65.
If you are able to receive SSDI, your spouse and children may be able to receive partial dependent benefits as well. A Social Security lawyer can give you more detailed information about your case and what the chances are that your family could get dependent benefits.
As soon as you apply to receive benefits, you will have to wait for five months before the first check is put in the mail. The exact amount you will receive every month will depend on your work history and how much you earned from your previous job.
Is SSDI the same thing as SSI?
Although both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both financial programs by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disabled Americans, they are slightly different.
Disabled Americans will either receive SSDI or Social Security benefits; it is not possible to get both. The SSA uses your previous work history and current income to determine which program you can use for support.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain number of years within the United States and have had paid taxes into the Social Security System over this period. If someone does not have enough work experience and therefore, did not have the chance to contribute to the SSA through taxes, they can receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI is strictly needs-based, so as long as your monthly income falls under a certain limit, you are automatically eligible. However, monthly income just $1 over the maximum amount can exclude you from the program, and you must apply for SSDI.
What does a Social Security lawyer do during the applications process?
As soon as you find the perfect Social Security lawyer to handle your case, you no longer have to worry about any aspect of the Social Security benefits application process.
A quality Social Security Benefits lawyer will:
- Look into all your work and medical records and decide if you have a better chance of receiving SSDI or SSI benefits
- Research and data collection regarding your disability
- Contact agencies and medical centers on your behalf to access the information you would not be able to as a standard citizen
- Put your claim together, making sure to highlight certain conditions or symptoms that make your case stronger
- Take over the appeals process, should your initial application be denied
- Provide constant support and updates during the claims process
- Submit all of the necessary paperwork according to official requirements and deadlines
With an experienced attorney by your side, you can focus on regaining your health and strength, while they deal with complicated paperwork and increase your chances of approval. Most Social Security Disability lawyers offer a free consultation including some advice regarding your case and how to proceed. So, there is absolutely no harm in giving a local attorney’s office a call!
