Everything you ever wanted to know about Social Security disability
What are the basic eligibility requirements for Social Security and SSI disability benefits? To qualify for either of these disability benefit programs, a person must not only be found to meet the disability definition but also must qualify on a financial basis. To qualify for disability insurance benefits, a person must have worked and paid wage taxes long enough to be insured for receipt of those benefits. Generally that means a person must have worked five out of the last ten years before they became disabled. SSI is a Federal Welfare Program. To qualify for those benefits a person must have both low income and low assets. If they are married, their spouse's income and assets are included in the eligibility calculation.
How does Social Security define disability? In general, the definition created by Congress is one of the more difficult disability standards to meet. First, this is a long term disability program. A person must establish that they have been disabled for at least twelve continuous months or that their disability is expected to last at least that long. Second, they must show that the symptoms of their medical conditions prevent them from performing any of the work that they have done in the last fifteen years. Third, depending upon a person's age and past work experience, they must also show an inability to perform any easier types of jobs. In other words, if a person used to do factory work and can no longer perform that job because of the standing, lifting and carrying required, they could still be found ineligible for benefits if they retained the ability to perform an easy job in an office setting such as a receptionist or telephone operator.
When should someone apply for these benefits? We recommend that a person file an application for these benefits as soon as they feel that they can demonstrate an inability to work for at least twelve consecutive months.
How does one begin the application process? Applications can either be made in person at your local Social Security office or by telephone by contacting Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (answered from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
If I have questions about Social Security or private disability benefits, is it okay to call our office to discuss my questions? Of course. We are happy to answer questions over the telephone and all consultations are always free of charge. For Social Security disability cases, attorney's fees are regulated by the Social Security Administration. In almost all cases, there is no fee unless there is a successful result and benefits are awarded. All attorney's fees must be approved by the Social Security Administration.
If you or someone you know has any questions about disability benefits, call the Disability Benefits Law Center for a free consultation at: 215-886-0660 or email us at: info@disability-benefits-law-center.com The Disability Benefits Law Center maintains offices in Center City Philadelphia and Jenkintown. The Disability Benefits Law Center focuses its practice exclusively on Social Security and private disability matters.
