Social Security Disabilityssi

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY/SSI

Your Downers Grove Social Security Lawyer Explains SSD and SSI

If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be struggling for income and not know where to turn. The federal government provides financial assistance for people whose disabilities prevent them from working. I have practiced disability law for over 30 years, and my knowledgeable staff and I assist individuals denied benefits at any stage of the application, reconsideration and hearing level. Qualified individuals may apply for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits without legal representation. If you qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you may be eligible to receive health insurance through either Medicare or Medicaid to ensure you receive necessary medical care and treatment.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance is a program funded by Social Security taxes, and is available to disabled individuals who earned sufficient credits based on their taxable work history. The amount of monthly disability benefit reflects the Social Security earning record of the insured worker. Disability is defined as a severe impairment or combination of impairments that prevent you from working for a period of 12 months or longer.

Disability benefits are available to:
• Blind or disabled workers
• Children of qualified workers
• Widow(er)s of qualified workers
• Adults who have been disabled since childhood, i.e., prior to age 22 and continuing

If you are expecting your disability to last for over 12 months or if you are sure you cannot return to work within 12 months of the time you discontinued earning wages, you should apply now. The application process takes time. You can apply for SSDI with the online disability application at www.ssa.gov or at your local SSA office. The benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you remain unable to work.

Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
Supplementary Security Income (SSI) is a program for disabled individuals who cannot work due to their medical impairment but who do not have enough work quarters to qualify for SSDI. It is a means based program for the disabled, blind and those over 65 years old. The proof of your disability is the same as in the SSDI program. But SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance as it pays benefits based on financial need, not work history. SSI benefits are available if you meet the income and asset requirements of the SSI program. There are limits to both. There are also considerations of assistance you are receiving from friends or family.

The Supplemental Security Income Program is a federal benefit program that covers you if:
• You are 65 and older, or
• You are blind or disabled, or
• You have children who are blind or disabled.

You can apply for benefits with the online disability application (www.ssa.gov) or at your local SSA office. To meet all the requirements of the program your must:

– Be “disabled” using the same definition as the Social Security Disability Programs – Meet the income and asset requirements of the SSI Program – Be a U.S. citizen or fall into the group of limited exceptions to this rule – File an application.

It is important to understand that you may be denied SSI because you have an asset or income issue. If you feel this is not an accurate reflection of your income or assets, you may me through our Disability Questionnaire.

A Personal and Caring Law Firm
I try to understand the struggles that individuals with disabilities face in their daily lives, and get to know each of my clients on a personal level. If you cannot work because of a disability, it is your right to pursue all available avenues in order to live the best quality of life possible. If you were denied benefits at the initial application level or if you need to request a hearing, call me to schedule a free consultation. If you cannot travel to my office due to physical limitations, we will do our best to make accommodations for you. We serve the counties of DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall and Will. There is no charge unless your claim is successful.