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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two types of benefits paid out by the Social Security Administration (SSA). While both types of benefits are designed to assist people who are facing a long-term or permanent disability, the eligibility criteria is different for each.
You may want to speak with a trusted SSDI attorney if you are considering SSDI vs. Supplemental Security Income in Parkersburg. A member of our team can advise whether you should apply for one or both types of benefits and can walk you through each step of the application process.
The thresholds for obtaining SSDI benefits vs. SSI benefits in Parkersburg are different. In most cases, SSDI payouts are higher than those associated with SSI benefits. SSDI eligibility focuses on someone’s work history and disability. However, a person can be eligible for SSI even if he or she has not worked in the past, because these benefits are designed for individuals who have limited income and who fit certain age and disability requirements.
A person can only receive SSDI benefits if he or she has paid into the Social Security system by working jobs (either for an employer or in a self-employed capacity) that have enabled them to earn work credits. A person can earn up to four work credits per year, and the number of work credits required to qualify for SSDI benefits will depend on the applicant’s age.
Besides the work requirement for SSDI benefits, the applicant also needs to be totally disabled with an SSA-approved medical condition. If the person is only partially disabled, he or she will not be approved for SSDI benefits. An individual is considered completely disabled if he or she is unable to sustain gainful employment, cannot perform current or past work, and has a qualifying medical condition that is fatal or lasts longer than a year.
In the case of SSI, individuals of all ages, including those who have never paid into the Social Security system, can receive benefits. This is because SSI benefits are funded by the U.S. Treasury, unlike SSDI benefits that are funded by payroll taxes. If a person is of retirement age, blind, or disabled, and he or she has little to no income or resources, they may qualify for SSI benefits.
When it comes to applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is wise to work with a Parkersburg attorney from the beginning. An attorney can help applicants avoid the common mistakes that could result in denials while managing the entire process from start to finish.
An attorney understands the key requirements needed to demonstrate eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits, as well as the evidence, medical and employment documentation, and other records needed to increase the chances of a successful claim.
It is also important to understand that denials are all too common. If this happens, an attorney can immediately get to work filing a request for reconsideration and launching an appeal, which will involve administrative hearings and possibly court appearances in some cases.
Applying for any form of benefits from the SSA is a highly involved process that requires a detailed claim, extensive documentation, and clear supporting evidence. You need to show the SSA that your medical condition and employment circumstances meet the threshold for either SSDI or SSI benefits. If the agency feels your claim lacks sufficient evidence to meet that mark, you could be denied.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law can help you explore SSDI vs. Supplemental Security Income in Parkersburg, while handling everything required in the application. Do not hesitate to give our office a call today and set up a free consultation to speak with an attorney about your case.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
