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SSD/SSI Overview

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 income, assets, and resources will be considered by the Social Security Administration in determining if you qualify for SSI benefits. Generally, if a single person has less than $2,000 in countable assets and a married person has less than $3,000 in countable assets, they will qualify for SSI benefits, from a financial standpoint.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may also be payable to children under the age of 18 who are disabled.

Please call Attorney Mannicci today for help in deciding which program is right for you and to learn how to maximize the benefits you deserve.

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.
Since you cannot yet file for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits online, 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.
Always take photo ID with you when you go to the Social Security Office and keep in mind that when you file your application, you may be asked for your Social Security Card, your original Birth Certificate, Proof of U.S. Citizenship or, if you were not born in the U.S., proof of Lawful Alien Status, and, if applicable, your military discharge papers, last year's W2 or tax return (if self-employed).
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.
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. In Pennsylvania, an appeal is called a "Request for Hearing Before Administrative Law Judge." We have the appeal forms in our office, or you can obtain them at www.ssa.gov, or by contacting your local Social Security Office.
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 you back benefits or $6,000, (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.
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