Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a process that is often riddled with speed bumps and many applicants get rejected, must start over, and lose out on benefits in the process. Knowing how the programs work, what’s possible for you, and where things go from here is the first step to acquiring SSDI – and it is even more helpful to have an experienced SSDI attorney by your side.
The Two Disability Programs in the Social Security Administration
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): If a person has worked long enough and recently enough, paying Social Security taxes on their earnings all the while, it is possible to qualify for SSDI benefits for yourself and some family members.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you have a qualifying disability and also have limited income and resources, the SSI program is a federal income supplement program that delivers benefits to adults and children who meet the requirements. This program is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
Both SSDI and SSI are large federal programs designed to provide financial assistance to people with disabilities. If you meet the listed medical criteria and have a disability, you may qualify for benefits under either program.
The Definition of “Disability” for SSDI
Individuals, government agencies, and private insurance companies all have different definitions of what qualifies as a disability. For SSDI purposes, you must go by what Social Security says – and this office only pays for complete disability, not partial or short-term disability.
Now, what qualifies as total disability? All the following items must be true:
- Your medical condition prevents you from working and engaging in substantial gainful activity.
- Your medical condition prevents you from doing the work you once did or adjusting to other work.
- Your medical condition has lasted – or is expected to last – for at least one year or result in death.
In short, the disability must be significant and severely limit a person’s ability to do even the most basic work-related activities – this can include walking, standing, sitting, or cognitive responsibilities – for at least 12 months. If any of these items fail to be true, the applicant will not be considered to have a qualifying disability.
Get Legal Help to Apply for SSDI
Applying for SSDI is time-consuming and can be costly, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process, the paperwork, and the demands of the Social Security Administration. Learn everything you need to know about Social Security Disability programs with help from your Social Security Disability Attorney at Thurswell Law. Eliminate any chances of doing things incorrectly and put yourself in the best possible position to get the benefits you deserve.
Contact Thurswell Law to get help right away in securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and the getting the compensation your family deserves. Call us at (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.