If you are disabled, you may wonder if you qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. It’s an understandable question to ask. After all, being disabled can be extremely difficult and stressful in a number of ways – not the least of which is financial. Prior to being disabled, you may have been able to work and earn a steady income for your family, and now you can no longer do so.
A long-term disability can change everything from a financial perspective. The good news is that there are options available if you are disabled – and at Sackett and Associates, we’re here to handle your claim for benefits with the utmost care, and the excellent representation you need. Let’s take a close look at your options together.
What Are SSDI Benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are benefits that the Social Security Administration provides to disabled individuals who meet certain criteria. Those criteria include:
- Being “insured”: Individuals who are approved to receive SSDI benefits must be “insured” in the eyes of the Social Security Administration. This essentially means that they worked a job for a sufficient length of time and that they consistently paid a portion of the salary earned at that job into the Social Security System.
- Having a disability: To be approved for SSDI benefits, an individual must be able to establish that he or she has a condition that qualifies as “disabling”. To make this determination, the SSA has a “Blue Book” which is essentially a list of impairments and accompanying symptoms that, if established through sufficient medical evidence, may qualify as a disability. If a particular condition is not listed in the Blue Book, this doesn’t mean that your claim will necessarily be denied. It simply means that you may need to present additional medical evidence to support your assertion that your condition is disabling.
- Being unable to work: In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, the disability that is the basis of the claim must render the applicant unable to work for a period of twelve consecutive months or more. You must also be able to establish that you are not receiving income above a certain threshold from any other sources, that is, that you are not engaged in “substantial gainful activity”.
If you can establish all of these criteria through sufficient evidence, you stand a good chance of being approved for SSDI benefits. In order to do all you can to assert your rights and seek the benefits you need and deserve, you’ll want a dedicated and experienced team of Social Security disability attorneys on your side. At Sackett Law, we’re here to handle your claim with the utmost care and fight for the maximum amount you deserve.
What are SSI Benefits?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are similar to SSDI benefits insofar as in order to receive those benefits, an individual must have a disabling condition that renders them unable to work. Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an individual does not need to be “insured” to receive SSI benefits. Instead, the individual must be able to show that he or she has income and resources below a certain threshold, which is established by the SSA each year.
What Steps Should You Take Next?
The law can be complex and confusing – there’s no question about it. You may have many questions about which type of disability benefits you may qualify for, and how to go about applying for those benefits. That’s why the first and most important step you can take is to hire an experienced Social Security who knows and understands the law and who can help you determine the best legal strategies to pursue the benefits you deserve.
After you find the right attorney, he or she will be able to guide you through the process of gathering necessary evidence, completing your initial application for benefits, and if necessary, pursuing an appeal. Throughout the process, you will want to be informed and involved, and at Sackett and Associates, we will make certain that you are always aware of important developments in your claim as they occur.
SACKETT AND ASSOCIATES – HERE FOR YOU
At Sackett and Associates, we know every aspect of Social Security benefits law. We’ve spent more than four decades fighting tirelessly for the rights of our clients and building a hard-earned reputation for excellence. We know how important and how helpful benefits can be for those struggling with a disability, and we’ll work with you every step of the way to assert your rights to the fullest. We believe you deserve nothing less. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. Give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
2 Replies to “SSI & SSDI Benefits Qualification Lawyers In California Handling Your Benefits With Care”
I appreciate you letting us know that by being approved to receive SSDI benefits, individuals who have worked a job for a sufficient length of time and paid a portion of their salary consistently are insured to receive resources now that they have a disabling condition that makes them unable to work. My aunt was in an accident last year, and she’s been using a wheelchair ever since because her legs were severely injured during the incident. I’ll take note of this while I look for a Social Security disability attorney in Columbia to hire for help with her SSDI application soon.
I appreciate your explanation when you informed us that one can qualify for SSDI benefits if they have a disability that they can claim renders them unable to work for twelve consecutive months or more before they are approved to receive the benefits. My cousin was in a car accident last week that gave him a severe leg injury that is expected to fully heal after a year, so he is considering getting social security benefits while he is still unable to go to work. I’ll take note of this while I help my cousin find a disability lawyer in Palos heights to assist with his application soon. https://johnehornattorney.com/palos-heights-social-security-disability-attorney/