What are Social Security Benefits?
As of 2024, approximately 68.5 million people in the United States were receiving social security benefits. Social security provides financial protection for U.S. citizens, entailing benefits for retirees, disabled persons, individuals with limited income, and monthly benefits for individuals who have lost a loved one. In this blog, our legal team focuses on two types of Social Security disability benefits that are available to disabled individuals: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you need help filing a Social Security claim, our Lancaster disability claims lawyers are more than happy to assist you.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance, and Who Qualifies?
If you have a long-term disability that impairs your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To receive benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your medical condition prevents you from earning more than $1,690 per month for disabled persons and $2,830 for blind persons;
- Your condition limits your ability to lift, stand, walk, sit, recall information, and perform other work-related tasks for at least 12 consecutive months;
- Your condition will most likely result in death.
- Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for a minimum of one year;
- Your condition impacts your ability to perform any past jobs, and you’re unable to adjust your work to accommodate your condition; and
- You have paid into Social Security in past jobs (typically, you need 40 work credits, 20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years).
What is Supplemental Security Income, and Who Qualifies?
If you are a disabled individual, have limited income or resources, or are over the age of 65, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are under the age of 65, you may still qualify if your disability has impacted your ability to work for at least one year, if you have a terminal condition, or if your condition limits daily activity.
SSI eligibility depends on the following:
- You have limited income: Individuals must earn less than $2,073.00 per month.
- You have limited Assets: Individuals must have less than $2,000 or less in assets (vehicles, bank accounts, etc.), and couples must have $3,000 or less in assets.
- You are blind: You have a central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in your better eye with a corrective lens or a visual field of less than 20 degrees in your better eye.
- You are disabled or age 65 or older: If you are under age 65, your disability must affect your ability to work for at least one year, and your condition must have a terminal diagnosis. If you have a disability, you must show that you earned less than $1,690 for the month in which you are applying for benefits.
Social Security Attorneys Offering Sound Guidance
Applying for Social Security can be tiresome, from filling out paperwork, adhering to strict deadlines, and appealing a denied application. Just because you have been denied benefits does not mean that you do not qualify. Nearly two-thirds of applicants are denied benefits on their first attempt, with the reason sometimes being a simple error on their application. To ensure that your claim is processed smoothly, it is crucial that you work with an experienced Lancaster disability claims attorney.
The skilled team at HGSK Injury Lawyers will help you in gathering your medical records and information, completing, and submitting your SSDI application. If your initial claim is denied, our legal team will assist you with preparing for a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge or a formal appeal at the Appeals Council. Our experience, skill, and knowledge will increase your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve.
Contact Our Lancaster Disability Claims Lawyers Today
An injury or illness can impede your ability to work and take a significant toll over time. Our team of legal professionals understands the stress that comes with not being able to pay your mortgage, utility bills, or everyday living expenses. If you have recently been denied Social Security disability benefits, the legal team at HGSK Injury Lawyers would like to speak with you. To schedule your free consultation with one of our Lancaster disability claims attorneys, contact us online or by calling (267) 551-8782.