Image Licensing Protections: An Introduction

Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits: A Few Facts You Should Know

17 May 2015

Judy Alexander

Does a physical or mental health condition prevent you from working in order to support yourself? If so, you may qualify for monthly social security disability benefits. In order to collect these benefits, you will first need to submit an application to the Social Security Administration. However, before you rush off to file this application, there are a few facts that you should know.

The Social Security Administration Operates Two Disability Benefits Programs

There are two unique types of benefits that may be available to disabled individuals through the Social Security Administration. It is possible for an individual to qualify for both or just one of these programs.

The first program that is offered is known as SSDI or social security disability income. In addition to meeting the medical disability requirements associated with all social security disability benefits, you will also need to have a certain number of work credits in order to qualify for this benefits program. These credits are assigned by the Social Security Administration each year based on how much you earned. This is because the more you earn, the more you pay in social security taxes.

The second program is known as SSI or supplemental security income. This program is designed to provide benefits to disabled individuals who have a limited income and limited assets. In order to qualify for benefits under this program, you must prove that you meet both the medical disability requirements and the income requirements established by this program. There is no need to have any work credits in order to qualify for SSI benefits.

You Have The Right To Appeal All Decisions Made In Your Case

In addition to either approving or denying your application, there may be a variety of decisions that are made in your case. For instance, you may find that you disagree with the financial information that was used to determine your monthly benefit amount. If at any time you feel as though a decision is made incorrectly, you will have the right to appeal this decision.

While requesting an appeal is a relatively easy process, being able to successfully present your case if this appeal results in a formal hearing can be far more difficult. This is why it is always a good idea to consult a social security attorney and have them represent you at all hearings.

You Can Afford To Hire An Attorney Even With Limited Assets

If you are worried that you will not be able to afford the services of an attorney due to your limited financial resources, you should also know that this will not be a problem. With most social security attorneys working on a contingency basis, you will never need to pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, the attorney will simply collect a percentage of any lump sum benefits that he helps you to recover. Contact a local attorney, such as Gieg Law Offices, if you think you have a case.

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