Applying for SSI or SSDI? Call Our Social Security Lawyers in Wayne, PA for Help
Applying for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be overwhelming. Not only is the application process itself confusing, often full of complicated legal or medical terms, but also because an applicant has to acknowledge that he is actually disabled. After all, if you did could work, you would not be applying in the first place. To make matters worse, statistics from the SSA reveal that roughly two-thirds (2/3s) of applications are denied. Many of these denials are due to technical deficiencies or the failure to cooperate or timely respond to SSA’s requests or inquiries. Often most of these denials could be avoided by having the assistance of an experienced Social Security lawyer in Wayne, PA, like one of ours.
Here at Silver & Silver, our compassionate and dedicated team of Social Security Disability lawyers, paralegals, and secretaries can help you and your family navigate the complex web of SSA rules and regulations to obtain the disability benefits to which you are entitled. We have a proven track record of success handling Social Security cases by helping applicants complete applications, assisting claims that are already pending, and handling appeals from denials. To learn more about how we can help you, call our disability law firm to schedule a FREE consultation.
Supplemental Security Income
Also known as SSI, Supplemental Security Income is the most common type of disability benefits that the SSA provides. It is a benefit that is paid monthly to individuals who have limited income and resources and one (or more) of the following grounds:
- Disability
- Blindness, and
- Aged 65 years or older.
This means that SSI can be paid for children who are disabled or blind, or for older adults who are not disabled or blind but have limited income and resources. However, it is important to realize that SSI is not the same as Social Security benefits that are earned based on your work history by paying through personal income taxes. That is a different program.
One of the most commonly contested and applied for areas of SSI is for disability. Not all disabilities may entitle an individual to SSI benefits. Rather, an individual’s disability must fit the definition of the SSA. A large percentage of individuals who are applying for SSI on the grounds of disability are denied for reasons that could be avoided by an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. Thus, anyone applying for SSI on the grounds of a disability should call Silver & Silver to avoid delays or unfair denials.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Also known as SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance requires:
- A medical condition that satisfies the strict definition of disability as defined by the SSA, and
- A qualifying work history.
Benefits paid for SSDI are usually higher than SSI because individuals will have paid into these benefits by virtue of paying social security taxes.
The main difference between SSDI and SSI is the work history requirement. Individuals who can apply for SSDI will need to have a sufficient amount of work credits. Work credits are how the SSA measures the amount of time that you have “paid into” SSDI in order to be entitled to it.
Generally, individuals need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Work credits are earned at a rate of a maximum of four (4) per year. Thus, a work history of 10 years is generally needed to qualify for SSDI. However, there are exceptions for individuals who become disabled at a younger age and have not had an opportunity to work for 10 years before the onset of disability.
Should You be Applying for SSI or SSDI or Both? Ask Our Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyers in Wayne, PA for Help
Individuals who are applying for SSI or SSDI should call Silver & Silver to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Social Security Disability lawyers in Wayne, PA. Our compassionate and dedicated team of professionals can answer your questions and show you how we can help you apply or appeal an adverse decision that you received. To learn more about how we can help you, please call 610-638-7255 or send us a message through our contact us box available here.