How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

From time to time, we all need a little help, and it is nice to know that there is a benefit system in place to help us when times get tight or circumstances change. Social security disability benefits can help people focus on their recovery or long term care. 

What’s the Difference between SSI and SSDI?

SSI is supplemental security income, and this is when the minimum basic financial assistance is provided to persons with disabilities and older adults. 

SSDI is Social Security disability insurance. This will help to support individuals who are disabled and have a qualifying work history. This could be through their own employment or through a family member’s employment.

The most significant difference between SSI and SSDI is that they are based on income, resources, age, and disability. One of the easiest ways to be able to differentiate and apply for the correct disability benefit for you or a loved one is to consult a social security lawyer. Then you will have all the information and help you need to move forward.

How to Apply for SSI

SSI is relatively easy to apply for. All you need to do is make sure that you meet some or all of these requirements:

• Have a medical condition that keeps you from working, and this medical condition is expected to at least at last one year or result in death.
• Be totally or partially blind.
• Be aged 65 or over

Where you live will it affect the amount of SSI that you are entitled to, and there are different rules for different states.

Many people mistakenly think that you cannot claim SSI if you own a house, you have cars, stocks, bonds, and a bank account. However, the Social Security Administration does not consider these things if you live in that house.

To apply for SSI, you can go to the Social Security Administration website to apply online or call to set up an appointment with a representative from your regional social security office.

How to Apply for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you have to demonstrate that you are unable to perform any work, but you have previously before illness or disease. And you must also be able to prove that there is no work available for you that you could be trained for due to your education level, health, and age.

It is also required that before you can qualify for SSDI, you have worked in a job and paid Social Security into the system in the last 10 years. The number of acquired years you will have had to work will vary according to your age; applicants under 50 will need to have worked at least five years out of the last 10.

You will file a claim on the Social Security Administration website as soon as you incur your accident, injury, or illness. By doing so, this is your protective filing date and can determine when you first notified the SSA of your Tend to file.

It should be noted that most claims are denied, and if your request is denied that you can use a Social Security lawyer to appeal that decision.

Request for Reconsideration 

Making sure that you file a request for reconsideration as quickly as possible will be to your advantage. An SSA agent will take a look at the evidence you have presented previously and include any new evidence you have given them now. They will then make a ruling against your medical records and claim forms. 

Your request for reconsideration can also be denied, and when this happens, you do have the opportunity to bring your case into a disability hearing before an administrative law judge. This hearing will be one of the best chances you have of having your claim approved.