Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for more than just retirement funds. The SSA offers two types of disability insurance to those who cannot work. They are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is a monthly payment made to those who have limited financial resources and are blind, disabled, or over the age of 65. SSI helps provide for basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Many recipients of SSI also qualify for other government programs such as Medicaid and food stamps. SSDI is a monthly insurance payment made to those who can no longer work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, the worker must have a job history that includes payments into the SSA system for a specific period of time, depending upon their age.

To qualify for SSDI, workers must prove that they have a disability. SSA defines a disability as an impairment that limits or prohibits the individual’s ability to work at their former level. Impairments are usually medical in nature, either physically or mentally, and must be supported by medical records or other evidence. The SSA has an actual Listing of Impairments that is continuously expanding. Examples of impairments include: chronic heart failure (cardiovascular); asthma or cystic fibrosis (respiratory); epilepsy (neurological); and schizophrenia (mental). A worker does not necessarily have to have one of the official impairments to qualify for SSDI; the SSA reviews each case on an individual basis.

It can take many months for an application to be approved or denied. If an application is denied, the worker has the right to appeal the decision. The process begins at the initial level through the Disability Determination Services (DDS). The next level is called Reconsideration, when the applicant can request a hearing . The next level is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge where the judge will issue a written decision. If the application is still denied, the next two steps are the Appeals Council and then finally Federal Court.

Applying for SSI and SSDI can be very complicated, and it is helpful to have an attorney who specializes in disability law.

For more information, please visit http://www.socialsecuritynethelp.me