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Sources of Disability When people hear the words, “Social Security”, retirement is usually the first thought that comes to mind. However, Social Security also includes benefits for those individuals that have been unable to work for at least 12 continuous months. There are basically two sources of disability income. Social Security Disability(SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income(SSI). SSDI benefits are based on the Social Security withholdings from wages earned as an employee or being self-employed. The Social Security Administration will calculate the number of “credits” an individual has earned to determine eligibility for SSDI and the amount of the monthly benefit. Unlike SSI, SSDI benefits are not based on other household income or assets. SSDI recipients are usually eligible for Medicare benefits.
SSI is an alternative program for adults, blind individuals and children. SSI does not consider the amount of “credits” a individual has earned. SSI benefits are usually less than SSDI benefits and are income/asset sensitive. While a individual may be “disabled” or unable to work, if their assets or other household income exceed the limits, they will receive no benefit. SSI recipients are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
The Disability process The process to obtain either SSD or SSI benefits begins with the filing of an application. This can be done online at http://ssa.gov, by calling the Social Security Administration(SSA) at 1-888-777-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office. In the first telephone contact you will be asked some basic questions such as your name, address and telephone number. SSA will send you a questionnaire to complete and return to them. At a later date, you will receive two or three other questionnaires to complete and return to SSA. It is important that on these questionnaires you state all the reasons you believe you are unable to work, rather than just the main reason. Understand that the process is a lengthy administrative process, and there are hundreds of people just like you who are applying for benefits. There are three main levels through which your claim will be processed: the Initial, the Reconsideration, and the Hearing before the Administrative Law Judge. There is a fourth level known as the Appeals Council, which is used for cases that have been denied at the lower three. Then, if the Appeals Council denies the case, the case can be appealed to the U.S. court system. The length of time varies from state to state, but you should expect the duration of the process to be, at the very least, the better part of two years. Additionally, you should expect to be turned down twice before your case goes to the Administrative Law Judge OBTAIN THE BENEFITS YOU CALL 1-888-9-SSI-SSD
CANTON: 330-456-8105
THE LAW FIRM OF MARSH & MITTAS |
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