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  Disability Group 5:28 pm on March 4, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Social Security Disability: The Difference Between SSI and SSDI? Which One Do I Need? 

  Social Security Disability: The Difference Between SSI and SSDI?  Which One Do I Need?

  By:  Disability Group (http://www.socialsecuritylaw.com)

  The Federal Government provides two different benefits for Americans who become disabled and are no longer able to work.  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for workers who have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes and is similar to the familiar retirement benefits program.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an entitlement program for those with limited income and resources and is available regardless of work history.

  Can I apply for both benefits?

  You can and should apply for both SSDI and SSI benefits!  It is possible that you will qualify for both programs and have concurrent entitlement, but even if you don’t you should still apply for both.

  What are the qualifications for SSDI?

  ●     You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident;

  ●     You must not yet be eligible to claim retirement benefits (under 65);

  ●     You must have worked recently enough and for enough time;

  ●     You must be disabled by the Social Security Administration’s definition

  To determine if you have worked recently enough and for enough time to qualify for benefits, the Social Security Administration uses a “credit” system.  Certain income levels earn you “credits” within a year and if at a certain age you have enough credits you can qualify for SSDI benefits. (To find out if you qualify or for a free consultation regarding SSDI benefits visit us at www.socialsecuritylaw.com.)

  What are the qualifications for SSI?

  ●     You must earn less than a specific income level set by the Social Security Administration;

  ●     You must have limited resources;

  ●     You must be a United States citizen (there are a few exceptions);

  ●     You must be disabled by the Social Security Administration’s definition

  This benefit is designed for disabled citizens with limited means and the Social Security Administration measures this by determining your income level and the value of your “resources”.  Resources can include cash reserves, stocks, bonds, or any asset that could be converted into cash.  (If you have questions about whether or not you meet the resource or income limitation for SSI benefits please contact us at www.socialsecuritylaw.com)

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  Security system Colorado, and Carla Ramotar are discussing. Toggle Comments

   
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    Carla Ramotar 10:22 am on April 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply

    Good Afternoon Sirs and Madames. I had my Son Timothy evaluated by a therapist for Social Security. I was sent a letter denying my claim. My Son has Esberger Syndrome. I hipe i spelled that right? He can’t stay focused when he really needs too. I guess they figure if you are able to lift items you are not disabled. i was granted an appeal but it was during the time of my Husband’s demise. I had so much going on in my life that the time expired for the appeal. My Son Timothy was always put in Slow classes and disabled classes all through HighSchool. They even put him in handicap classes in Highschool. He went as far as the 10th. grade but it became unbearable for him. they treated him like he had A.d.d. At times but found out that he has a chemical inbalance of the brain. When i was interviewed, i didn’t have any back up papers so maybe that’s why they denied him? By the Grace of God, i found a stack of papers when he was evaluated all through SWchool. Once he was even Baker acted. Anyway, We never collected for him as a child or as a young adult. I don’t understand how he was labled as mentally impaired in School but it has no bearing at all with the Social Security People. I am not trying to cheat anyone. I know my child can not hold down a job with his mentality. How will he be able to support himself after i’m gone. I hope this e-maIl doesn’t fall on death ears. Thank you in advance for your time. My number is 813-446-4038. Home number, 813-780-6254

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    Security system Colorado 2:54 am on April 5, 2012 Permalink | Reply

    Nice information, good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need, thanks for providing such helpful information here.

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  Disability Group 10:00 am on January 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  SSDI Benefits for Family Members 

  Once you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, certain members of your family may also be entitled to payments; auxiliary benefits may be available for your spouse, your former spouse, and your children.

  
  

  Auxiliary Benefits for Your Spouse

  Your spouse may be eligible for payments upon your award of SSDI benefits, if the spouse is (i) caring for your child, or (ii) age 62 or older.

  To receive benefits for caring for your child, the child must either be under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits.  Benefits for a spouse caring for your child under age 16 will end once that child reaches age 16.

  Similarly, when your spouse reaches age 62, he/she will be eligible for benefits based on your earnings record.  However, the monthly amount your spouse will receive at age 62 will be less than if he/she waits until full retirement age to receive the benefit.

  If your spouse is eligible for SSDI benefits based on his/her own earnings record, your spouse will receive either that amount or the amount based on your record, whichever is higher.

  
  

  Auxiliary Benefits for Your Former Spouse

  A spouse you have divorced will be eligible for SSDI benefits based on your earnings if he/she is (i) at least 62 years old; (ii) unmarried; (iii) was married to you for at least 10 years; and (iv) is not eligible for a higher benefit amount on his/her own.

  
  

  Auxiliary Benefits for Your Children

  Your child will be eligible for SSDI benefits if the child is unmarried and (i) under age 18; or (ii) 18 or 19 and a full-time elementary or high school student; or (iii) 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.

  For the child under age 18, the benefit will stop when he/she reaches age 18.  For the full-time student, the benefit ends upon graduation or 2 months after the child’s 19^th birthday, whichever comes first.  For the disabled child, the benefit will last for the duration of the disability.  An eligible child may be biological, a step-child, adoptee, or dependent grandchild.

  
  

  As far as the amount of SSDI benefits your family members are entitled to, each may receive up to half of your benefit amount, but there is a limit on the amount SSA will pay family members in total.  The limit depends on your benefit amount and the number of family members who qualify based on your record, but the total is generally around 50 to 80 percent of your benefit amount.

  
   
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  Disability Group 10:00 am on January 27, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Why Aren’t I Receiving SSI Benefits? 

  Even if you have a qualifying disability, you might not be receiving benefits.  Here are the top reasons why applicants may not receive benefits in spite of their eligibility – and ways to avoid making the same mistakes!

  
  

  The Social Security Administration needs permission to review your financial records – make sure you give it to them!!!

  Because SSI is a need-based program, SSA must be able to determine your eligibility by reviewing your financial information.  Upon application, you must give SSA permission to review records from banks, credit cards, loan companies, trust companies, savings associations, and any other source that would reveal your current financial status.  This may include giving SSA access to financial information belonging to others, i.e. your spouse or others living in your household.

  
  

  
  

  You must be in the United States to receive benefits –  if you leave, make sure to come back!!

  You lose your eligibility for SSI benefits for any month during which you are outside of the United States for the entire month.  If you are outside of the United States for 30 or more days, you are not considered to be back in the United States until you are back for 30 days. You may be eligible for SSI benefits in the month in which the 30 days end if you continue to meet all other eligibility requirements (CFR 416.215).

  
  

  
  

  Apply for all the benefits to which you are entitled!!

  If you do not apply for certain other benefits which you are entitled, you may be denied SSI benefits or have your payments suspended.  These other benefits include annuities, pensions, retirement benefits, or disability benefits.  Specifically, you must apply for veterans’ compensation and pensions, workers’ compensation payments, Social Security insurance benefits, and unemployment insurance benefits (CFR 416.210).

  
  

  
  

  Drug and/or alcohol abuse CANNOT contribute to your disability!!

  Drug addiction and alcoholism are major impediments to your initial award of benefits.  Most judges are very careful to evaluate whether the severity of your disability is a result of your addiction.  If you receive SSI benefits and the judge finds that drug addiction or alcoholism is a contributing factor material to the determination of your disability (CFR 416.935), you must seek appropriate treatment for your addiction.  You will lose eligibility for SSI benefits if SSA determines that you have failed to comply with the treatment requirements. If your benefits are suspended because you failed to comply with treatment requirements, you will not be eligible to receive benefits until you have demonstrated compliance with treatment for a period of time.

  
  

  The Social Security process is complex and has many rules.  Applicants should seek legal advice from a social security attorney before they proceed with an application.

  
   
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  Disability Group 10:00 am on January 24, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

  Social Security Myths EXPOSED!! Disability Group Inc Reveals The Truth About the Social Security Claims Process 

  Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be intimidating and time-consuming. Understanding how the system works can be the difference between winning or not winning your disability benefits.  Disability Group reveals common Social Security disability myths and misconceptions.

  
  

  Myth: The Social Security Administration denies everyone the first time they apply for disability.

  This is absolutely not true!  It is easy to see why people would believe this when over 70% of all first applications filed are denied.   A claim requires a lot of paperwork, and claimants are often denied when they do not provided documents that the SSA disability reviewer has requested.  A disability lawyer can be help you to prevent an unnecessary denial by staying on top of all requests from the SSA.

  
  

  Myth: The Social Security Administration will deny you a certain number of times before you are approved.

  Also not true!  Many people simply file applications over and over again, hoping to be approved.  If you continue to file and get denied at the first stage, you are denying yourself the right to an appeal and even more importantly, you are setting yourself at the back of the line again!

  Make sure that you follow the appeals process up to the highest level in a timely manner, meeting all deadlines.

  
  

  Myth: The best way to appeal a Social Security claim denial is to file a brand new application.

  No!  This is often the worst thing you can do because most initial applications are denied.  A new application will most likely be denied for the same reason as the last.  Historically, and statistically most claimants are awarded only after being heard by an administrative law judge.  A claim will never get that far in the process if you just file a new application.  Follow the appeals process and find representation.

  
  

  Myth: Certain medical conditions or mental health problems can get you automatically approved for benefits.

  No . . . . and yes.  Certain impairments are singled out.  If you meet an SSA listing it is easier to get approved, but not automatic.  All claims are evaluated according to medical evidence. See the list of the categories of impairments that meet the SSA listing here: http://www.socialsecuritylaw.com/qualify/

  Make sure to get regular medical treatment during your claim documents your condition for a better chance of obtaining benefits.  If you have irregular doctor visits and little medical evidence, your chances for approval of disability benefits is greatly reduced.

  
  

  Myth: You cannot get Social Security Disability if you have used drugs or alcohol.

  Not true. Every case is different but you have a better chance of obtaining benefits if you have maintained at least six month of sobriety.  How often and how recent you used is most important.  Simply put, Social Security will not pay benefits to someone who caused their condition or made it worse by drug or alcohol use.  If quitting would improve your condition, it is relevant and you will not win.

  If you have a history of abuse but are not currently using substances you should carefully review your medical records before filing for disability.  Doctors and mental health professionals will often indicate “suspected use” in their treatment notes.  Such indications can have a damaging effect on a disability case.

  While there are many myths about the Social Security claim process that are untrue, the process does include a fair amount of rules, regulations, and paperwork that a social security attorney is better suited to deal with.