Disability and SSI
More information about disability benefits:
Am I eligible?
Are you unable to work due to a mental and/or physical health condition? Is your condition expected to last at least 12 months? If so, you may be eligible to apply for disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)
To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you have to meet both the technical and medical eligibility requirements. To be technically eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, you must have worked 20 out of the last 40 fiscal quarters, which is approximately 5 out of the last 10 years. To be medically eligible, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a severe physical or mental limitation
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Both adults and children may qualify for Supplemental Security (SSI) benefits if they are found disabled and their household size meets the income and asset requirements. Like food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are need based.
Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)
To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you have to meet both the technical and medical eligibility requirements. To be technically eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, you must have worked 20 out of the last 40 fiscal quarters, which is approximately 5 out of the last 10 years. To be medically eligible, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a severe physical or mental limitation
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Both adults and children may qualify for Supplemental Security (SSI) benefits if they are found disabled and their household size meets the income and asset requirements. Like food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are need based.
How long will it take?
The process for being approved for disability benefits and/or SSI can be frustrating and lengthy. Although it is possible to be approved early on, most individuals receive an initial and second denial after applying for benefits and will need to have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. In most cases, it can be as long as two years from the time of application to time of hearing.
Why should I have an attorney?
Having attorney representation can ease your stress, ensure that your file is up to date, and will ultimately result in your case being properly presented and argued in front of an Administrative Law Judge so that you have the best chance of having your application approved. Choose a local attorney who is dedicated to advocating your case!
Frequently asked questions
Where can I apply for Disability Benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
How long do I have to wait for a decision?
Will I get health Insurance if I'm approved?
What will my estimated benefits be?
When will I start receiving my disability payments?
- Disability: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/apply.html
- SSI: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html
- If you do not wish to apply on your own, we can help you file your Initial Application. Contact our office for an appointment today!
How long do I have to wait for a decision?
- SSA takes approximately 3-5 months to make a decision on Initial Applications.
- Decisions on Requests for Reconsiderations vary. You could receive a decision in as early as two months, or it could take as long as over six months.
- Once a Request for Hearing is made, the wait is approximately 12-18 months to have a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge.
Will I get health Insurance if I'm approved?
- If you receive SSI, you will automatically be put on Medicaid, a state need-based free medical care program.
- If you are approved for Social Security Disability (SSD), you will not receive Medicaid, but instead will receive Medicare. However, there is a two year waiting period from the time you become eligible for disability benefits.
What will my estimated benefits be?
- Social Security has an online calculator that you can use to get an idea of what your monthly disability benefits will be: http://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/AnypiaApplet.html
When will I start receiving my disability payments?
- If you are approved for disability benefits, the first month for which you will receive benefits is the sixth month after the date you were found to be disabled.
- It is also possible to be awarded back pay for up to 12 months prior to the application date if you were found disabled for that period of time.
- Usually, a claimant will receive their back pay, or the first installment of their back pay, within two months of being approved. However, it is not uncommon to receive back pay much sooner or much later than that
