If you are hurt and can’t work, the United States government’s Social Security Administration provides benefits to help you pay for costs of living. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) programs are based on the principle that workers who’ve paid Social Security taxes for many years can collect from these insurance funds in times of need.
Ongoing Benefits
SSD and SSI benefits involve monthly payments to disabled workers who’ve applied and been approved. SSD benefits are based upon work history and disability status, whereas SSI benefits are given to disabled individuals based on financial need. The amount of your benefit check will depend on factors like your income at the time of disability, past income, and current cost of living. Recipients can expect yearly cost-of-living increases to help make ends meet, and a portion of the benefit amount may be tax-free.
SSD and SSI benefits include Medicare to provide hospital benefits, medical care coverage, and prescription coverage.
Benefits typically continue until Social Security retirement benefits kick in if the condition remains severe and permanent. Recipients who experience an improvement and become able to work may continue to receive their benefit checks for a Trial Work Period, usually about 9 months.
Determining Your Benefit Amount
Before your application is approved and you are granted SSD benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to thoroughly review your work history to make sure you qualify and assess a proper benefit amount. Before being approved for SSI benefits, the SSA will check to make sure you meet the income and asset requirements. Having a lawyer on your side can help you provide the important details and paperwork needed to make sure you get the maximum amount possible.
To get more information on your potential for SSD or SSI benefits, talk to an SSD/SSI legal professional who specializes in these types of cases. An experienced lawyer can address all of your questions about SSD and estimate what your claim might be worth.
For a personalized evaluation of your benefits claim, search for an disability lawyer near you.
Please explore our website and if you have questions or need further assistance, please e-mail the SSD Law Resource Center by completing the form to the right. We are here to help.