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.
QUICK FACTS
GETTINGSTARTED
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.
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.
BENEFITS
SSDIVS.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.
PROCESS
HOWDOIAPPLYFORBENEFITS?
You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. The claims process can take between three and five months.
You must apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. This includes filing a claim and an interview. You will need:
Your Social Security number
Your birth certificate
Contact information for medical professionals
Medical records
Names of any prescriptions
Work summary
Your most recent W-2 Form
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:
1. Are you working?
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.
APPEALS
HOWTOAPPEALTHESSADECISION
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.
