Social Security Disability Attorney
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplement Security Income is a federal government program that provides income benefits to qualifying applicants, with such income benefits being funded from the U.S. Treasury's general funds. The federal government provides SSI benefits to individuals who have a qualifying disability which keeps them from being able to work and earn an income. The SSI provides money benefits to qualifying individuals. These money benefits are provided to applicant to meet their necessary living and medical expenses due to their inability to work as a result of their disability.
Unlike, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits, SSI benefits are not based on the amount a person contributed to a disability insurance plan even whether an applicant has ever been employed. Rather, SSI benefits are awarded after evaluating the applicant's income, resources and whether an applicant's disability meets the qualifying administrative criteria and that disability prevents the applicant from earning an income that is sufficient to provide life's necessities. In evaluating income, all forms of income are considered, including alimony, property that can be turned into cash, unemployment benefits, and even self-employment wages.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance or "SSDI" is federal government payroll tax-funded program and is managed by the Social Security Administration, with SSDI benefits being paid from the Social Security trust fund. SSDI is a program that was created to provide income benefits to applicants who have a qualifying disability, which restricts their ability to work and earn an income. The qualifying disability may be a temporary or permanent disability. To qualify for disability an applicant must be under the age of 65; the disabling condition must be expected to last at least 12 months; must prevent the applicant from engaging in "substantial gainful activity;" and the applicant has worked 5 our of the last 10 years as of the date of onset of the disabling condition. Thus, unlike SSI, individuals are only eligible for SSDI benefits if they have worked and paid social security taxes during their lifetime.
How do I apply for my SSDI or SSI benefits?
To apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, an applicant must submit an application for benefits. An application for SSDI can be submitted in person, by mail, on-line or by phone. However, an SSI application must be done in person at an applicant's local Social Security office. The local Social Security will verify the applicant's identity and eligibility to receive either SSI or SSDI. Once the local Social Security office determines that an applicant is eligible to receive benefits, the applicant's file is then sent to another federal government office which then determines if the applicant is medically disabled. The disability determination if based on medical information provided by your doctors and sometimes from information provided by consultative doctors that the Social Security office may require an applicant to visit for an examination.
If a determination that an applicant is not disabled is rendered, the applicant's file is returned to the Social Security office and remains there incase an applicant decides to appeal the office's determination and denial of benefits.
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