Social Security Disability Guidebook

ROB LEVINE LAW

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY GUIDEBOOK

What you need to know about Social Security Disability An easy-to-follow guide on all things Social Security Disability. Let us help you get the most compensation you can from your condition.

SSD GUIDEBOOK FROM ROB LEVINE LAW

QUICK FACTS

GETTING STARTED

DO YOU HAVE A CONDITION THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM WORKING Have you or a loved one been injured and are unable to work because of a disability?

You may be entitled to monthly disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

This book will outline what social security disability benefits are. It will also explain who qualifies for the various benefits and how the process works.

Having a disability that prevents you from working can be stressful and life changing. Our Social Security Disability Attorneys are trained to help people who are struggling get the compensation they need and deserve.

IN THE UNITED STATES

1 in 5 PEOPLE LIVE WITH A DISABILITY

Disability can be unpredictable. You have enough to worry about besides income.

Social Security disability benefits can help alleviate some stress in a person's life.

Though the payments may be modest, they can make a huge difference in people's life.

Page 1

BENEFITS SSDI VS. SSI Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Social Security pays benefit to people who cannot work because of a medical injury or disability. In order to qualify for SSDI you must: Have an injury or disability that prevents you from working for over 12 months.

Have worked a specific duration of time and paid towards Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSI is a need based benefit for people who are disabled and have low income and resources. You do not need past work history to qualify for Supplemental Security Income.

Medicaid This Federal-State health insurance program provides low-income people with medical benefits.

Can I Receive SSDI and SSI? Many times you can qualify for both SSDI and SSI from the Social Security Administration.

The average monthly SSDI check is around $1,200, which is very limited income.

If SSDI is your only income, you are likely qualified to receive SSI benefits as well. The average monthly SSI check is $770 a month.

If you are eligible for SSI, you may also qualify for medicare. If you qualify for SSDI you will receive medicare benefits two years after your SSDI entitlement.

Page 2

PROCESS HOW DO I APPLY FOR BENEFITS?

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. The claims process can take between three and five months.

Your Social Security number

How are my Benefits Decided?

If you meet basic disability and work history requirements your application will move forward to the Disability Determination Services office. They base their decision off of these questions:

Your birth certificate

1. Are you working?

You must apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.

This includes filing a claim and an interview.

You will need:

Contact information for medical professionals Medical records Names of any prescriptions Work summary Your most recent W-2 Form

2. Is your medical condition 'severe' 3. Does your medical condition meet or medically equal a listing?

4. Can you do the work you did in the past?

5. Can you do any type of work?

The answers to these questions as well as conversations with your health care providers will help determine if your claim is accepted or denied.

Page 3

APPEALS HOW TO APPEAL THE SSA DECISION If you disagree with the outcome of your disability benefits claim you can appeal their decision. This process can be long and confusing which is why you should hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer to help you.

Steps in the Appeals Process 1. Reconsideration The first step in appealing a Social Security decision is writing to the SSA or completing a Request for Reconsideration. You must do this within 60 days of receiving your decision.

2. Hearing If you disagree with the reconsideration determination you can request a Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge.

3. Appeals Council If you disagree with the outcome of the Hearing you may request a review of your claim by the Appeals Council.

The Council will review your claim if any additional evidence is submitted.

4. Federal Court If the Council refuses your request for review or denies you, file a civil action with the U.S. District Court.

Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer The claims process requires attention to detail and expertise of Social Security Disability Claims. Contact a Social Security Disability to help you through the claims process. They will help make the process run more smoothly for you and get you the compensation you are entitled to.

Page 4

WE ARE READY TO HELP WITH YOUR SS BENEFITS CLAIM

Call Rob Levine Law for a free case evaluation

800.742.3940 Injury. Social Security Disability. Veterans Disability.