Social Security Disability Benefits for Those in Need

Every day, millions of people across the country struggle to meet their needs due to some kind of disability. They struggle with daily demands. They struggle with family and friends. They endure hardships and barriers that few people can fully understand. Many people, sadly, simply cannot function without help. Fortunately, that help exists.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal government agency specifically designed and implemented to help those people who need it most. In existence for roughly 80 years, the SSA now offers various types of assistance for individuals and their families. This social assistance takes many forms. Some recipients of social security receive benefits and insurance. Some people receive income.

Although the assistance type itself may differ, the objective remains the same. The SSA aims to assist people who struggle with normal, healthy living. Many social security beneficiaries are old. Many are disabled or poor. Others are injured and unable to perform their job or routine tasks the way they once did. Across the country, the SSA provides the social safety net on which these people rely.

However, not all people in need ultimately qualify for social security assistance. In fact, many individuals who apply for these social security benefits struggle to get approved. The application and approval process for social security can be long and difficult. If you are considering applying for benefits, you may need help.

Hiring A Social Security Disability Attorney

A professional and experienced social security lawyer can help in a number of ways. First, they can assist you with the application process. The SSA currently offers two programs geared to disabled individuals. Knowing which program to choose can be a complicated process.

When applying for social security disability, an applicant must show that the disability is a total disability. Social Security only administers payments to people with a medical condition that is severe and lasting. The condition must be expected to last at least 12 continuous months, or result in death.

You will not receive disability benefits if you have a partial disability or a short-term disability. So, before you go looking online for a “Social Security disability Lawyer Near Me,” make sure you understand your disability. A seasoned social security attorney can help. Once you have received help, it’s time to apply to the right program for you.

Essential Information About SSDI Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for individuals who are disabled and mostly unable to work. This program delivers monthly benefits based on your previous work history. You must have worked both recently and frequently enough to meet the SSA’s requirements.

The SSA calculates your work history based on “work credits.”

If you have barely worked, you have barely paid into social security. This means you could be denied SSDI benefits.

Most people must have 40 work credits, with half of them obtained in the last decade before becoming disabled. Generally, the younger the applicant, the fewer work the credits required.

Applicants can receive up to four credits per year. In 2019, each work credit corresponds to $1,360 of earnings. Search online for “Social Security Office near me” to obtain more information about these requirements.

Where SSDI is for people who have worked, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not require a work history. SSI delivers monthly payments to recipients of limited means. In other words, applicants must be able to prove low income and reduced resources.

Other Things to Consider About SSI

The SSA considers “income” the money you receive from your wages, benefits, and pensions. This also includes food and shelter. Each state has different income limits. In terms of “resources,” the SSA considers all your assets including, real estate, cash, stocks and bonds.

An individual applying for Supplemental Security Income must have a resource total that is $2,000 or less. A couple can have as much as $3,000 in resources. In some cases, you may own things that are not considered resources.

An individual applying for Supplemental Security Income must have a resource total that is $2,000 or less. A couple can have as much as $3,000 in resources. In some cases, you may own things that are not considered resources. Other things you own may be considered resources. An experienced social security lawyer can help you in making these determinations and in dealing with Social Security administrators. If you are applying to either of these programs based on disability, you must prove the extent of that disability. Your disabling condition(s) must prevent you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

SGA is important to consider because it sets a cut-off for monthly earnings. If you are able to work and exceed a certain monthly income, you are said to be engaging in SGA. If you are capable of engaging in SGA, you may not be approved for benefits.

There are many ways social security administrators will evaluate your capacity for work. You may have to argue that your disability is sufficiently disabling. In some cases, your medical condition may not be listed according to Social Security’s “blue book.”

Even If You’ve Been Denied Benefits – We Can Assist

If you applied for SSDI or SSI benefits and were denied, you need legal assistance. Our highly competent Social Security Disability experts understand the process. We understand applications and we understand appeals.

There are four levels of appeals for applicants who were rejected:

Reconsideration of Application

Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

Social Security Appeals Council

Federal Court Review

Before you dial a Local Social Security Office Phone Number, call our seasoned social security lawyers. At Berke Law Firm, P.A. we provide all new clients with a consultation and case evaluation. We are ready and happy to help. Contact our office today.