Every year, working Americans pay thousands of dollars each year into federal Social Security disability programs. These programs are designed to provide disabled individuals with a valuable financial “safety net” to fall back on should the unexpected happen.

Understanding the Different Programs

If you have been permanently disabled due to an accident, injury, or the onset of a recognized medical condition, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) makes monthly disability payments to those who are unable to work due to a disability. The program is open to individuals who meet certain qualifying requirements and who have worked enough quarters to qualify for benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly disability benefits to disabled individuals who have not worked long enough to qualify for SSDI and who meet Social Security’s financial eligibility requirements.

Who Qualifies for SSD or SSI Payments?

In order to qualify for Social Security payments, claimants must prove that they are disabled under certain rules and conditions. For many, these rules and regulations can be extremely difficult to understand, and they are frequently updated and changed. Statistics indicate that as many as 2 out of 3 initial Social Security benefit applications are denied by the Social Security Administration. Of that number, approximately 60% of those denied claims become accepted after reconsideration or after a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Medical conditions that may entitle you to disability compensation include:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Lupus
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Bi-polar Disorder
• Cancer
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic heart failure
• Anxiety disability
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• HIV AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Schizophrenia
• Crohn’s disease

Questions You Should Ask

• What are the age restrictions with SS?
• How long can I receive benefits?
• Can I return to work and still receive benefits?
• Can I have other sources of income and still receive Social Security payments?
• If my application for benefits was denied, can I appeal the decision?
• How much will I receive in SSD or SSI benefits?
• How long does the Social Security claim process take?
• What will it cost me to hire Burg Simpson to handle my Social Security Claim?
• Can I claim Social Security benefits for my children and dependants?
• What can I do to improve my chances of winning SSI or SSD benefits?
• I was denied benefits under initial application. Can I re-apply?
• I am currently receiving benefits, but now Social Security wants to review my case?

If you or someone you know is applying for Social Security benefits, it is vital to have an experienced lawyer representing you — it can improve the chances of having your application approved faster, and for more money. Contact us today for a  free no-obligation consultation. 

• Steven R. Earl