Q. What is the difference between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits?
A. Both programs are run by the Social Security Administration and both provide disability benefits when a person's physical or mental health prevents them from working for at least one full year.
The main difference between the Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is that to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have earned enough work credits to be considered "insured." You earn these work credits by paying taxes from your paycheck while working. Generally, if you have worked regularly for five out of the last ten years, you will probably be "insured," meaning that you will have earned enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Because Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program, work credits are not considered in determining eligibility for SSI benefits. Instead, your household income, assets, and resources will be considered by the Social Security Administration in determining if you qualify for SSI benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may also be payable to children under the age of 18 who are disabled.
Q. When should I file an application for disability benefits?
A. You should file an application as soon as you become unable to work due to a disabling physical or mental medical condition that your doctor feels will last for at least one year.
Q. How do I file an application?
A. The
Social Security Administration's website is the easiest way to file your application for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. However, if you're not comfortable using a computer, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to file your application. If you are deaf of hard of hearing, the Social Security Administration has a toll fee "TYY" number, 1-800-325-0778.
In some situations you can file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits online, but you must meet certain criteria. The quickest way to start the process is on the SSI
application page. The easiest way to file an SSI application is by calling the Social Security Administration's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 or by stopping by your local Social Security Office.
Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. According to the Social Security Advisory Board, your chances of being approved for disability benefits are significantly improved if you are represented by an
experienced disability attorney . This is because an experienced
disability attorney will analyze the issues in your case and determine what needs to be proved and what evidence must be obtained to prove those issues. Please our office at
610-882-9600
to discuss your specific situation.
Q. When do I need an attorney?
A. Many clients call us to schedule an appointment right after they file their initial application for benefits. Others wait until their initial application has been denied. It's always a good idea to speak with a skilled disability attorney
as early as possible to be sure that your application is fully-developed at the earliest possible point. When Attorney Mannicci accepts a case at the initial application stage, she will speak with the adjudicator assigned to the claim to explain how the person's medical condition prevents work, gather supporting medical evidence, and help with filling out Social Security forms and questionnaires asking about the person's work history and daily activities. All of this is done to insure that a clear and accurate picture of the person's disability is presented as early as possible.
Q. What should I do if my application is denied?
A. If you receive a denial letter from the Social Security Administration, the most important thing to remember is don't give up! Over 70 percent of initial applications are denied every year. If your application is denied, you should file an appeal. More than half of applicants who pursue their appeal are awarded disability benefits at some point in the future.
If you have been denied Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, after filing an initial application, this is a very good time to hire an attorney to help you with your appeal. Most denial letters give you 60 days to file an appeal.
Q. How does my attorney get paid?
A. We work on a contingent fee basis. This means that there is no fee unless you are awarded benefits. The Social Security Administration sets the amount of the attorney fee, which is 25 percent of your back benefits or $9,200, (whichever is less) and in nearly every case, the Social Security Administration will pay the attorney fee directly out of the claimant's back benefits.
Please
contact me for a free consultation.
