If you have been recently disabled by an injury or illness, you are probably wondering if you qualify for benefits. Some conditions are covered by Social Security disability and some are not. If you are contemplating filing for SSI, or if you have been denied SSDI, you should talk to an attorney. It is helpful to understand a few things about the laws pertaining to the benefits.
What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
Both SSI and SSDI are managed by the Department of Social Security. SSDI is obtainable for those workers who have a certain number of work credits. SSI benefits are available to persons who have never worked or simply have too few work credits to qualify for SSDI.
SSI is entirely need-based. In order to obtain benefits, you must be in dire straits. You must have less than $2000 in assets and have no income or an extremely limited income.
SSDI recipients have worked for a certain number of years and hence, they are considered insured. Eligibility for SSDI is determined by “work credits.” If you have a Social Security card, are over 21 years of age and you have worked for at least a year and a half, you have between six and forty work credits. Your work credits are determined by your age and the number of years you have worked.
For example, if you are 21 and you have worked for a year and a half, you have six work credits. If you are 55 and you have worked for at least eight years, you have 32 credits. The older you are; the more years you must have worked to get disability.
SSI recipients are generally able to receive food stamps and medical benefits. When a person qualifies for SSI, they will normally start getting their benefits right away.
SSDI recipients must wait at least five months to get their benefits. However, once a person qualifies for SSDI, their family members may also qualify for a portion of their benefits; this is not true with SSI.
An individual’s SSI benefits are not taxable. There are some circumstances in which a person who is receiving SSDI may be taxed. If an individual’s overall income with benefits is between
Over $25,000 and less than $34,000, their income may be taxed. If a couple’s income exceeds $32,000, they are subject to taxation.
What Conditions Qualify for SSDI?
The Social Security Administration puts out a Blue Book listing all of the medical conditions that qualify for SSDI benefits. Although the qualifications are complicated, the conditions in the book are generally chronic or long term. They tend to be diseases that seriously affect a vital organ or the immune system. Average recipients are unable to lift, stand, walk or remember things.
Do I need a Social Security Lawyer?
If you are attempting to get SSDI benefits, you should hire a trained Social Security lawyer in Sherman Oaks like William Zimmerman. The Social Security Office has an awful lot of applicants for benefits and those benefits are hard to get. Less than half of the people who apply for SSI or SSDI benefits are approved.
When you apply for Social Security benefits, you are put through a rigorous five-step qualification process. It is very helpful to have an attorney to advise you as you go through the application process. If your claim is denied an attorney can advocate for you.
Disabilities are hard enough without worrying about having to work. You have paid into the system for a long time, a lawyer can help you let that system work for you.
Authoritative Sources:
https://ca.db101.org/ca/programs/income_support/ssdi/program2.htm
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/social-security-blue-book
