If you find yourself unable to earn a living because of a disability, there are a couple options for you to start receiving payments from the government. These programs were set up many decades ago as a “social safety net”. You have been paying into these programs your entire working life so you are entitled to receive benefits should you need them. This is why they are commonly referred to as “entitlements“.
Let’s explore these two programs in further detail. This information may help you decide which path to follow.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
This is a government program where they send you a monthly payment should you become unable to earn a living in the long term. They take a small amount from every paycheck you earn to fill the coffers of this program.
The amount you receive is based on how many hours you have worked in a year and how much overall you have contributed to the program. It is set up on a “credits” system, meaning the more hours you’ve worked and the more money you contributed the more credits you have.
Typically, these payments can range anywhere from $1000-$2000. This payment paired with whatever other help you can get and/or your savings should allow you to take care of your basic needs.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
This program is strictly needs based. They do not look at how much you have paid into the system, and they do not look at work history.
This is a long-term disability program, much like SSDI. To qualify for SSI, your medical condition must pass the 12-Month Duration Rule, meaning it must have lasted, or be medically expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months (or result in death).
Disability Attorney
Should you be denied coverage by one or both of these programs, a local disability attorney should be able to help. In fact, an attorney can help you every step of the way, nearly doubling your odds of being approved. They also help take the burden off your shoulders.
Disability attorneys are reimbursed for their services by receiving a small piece of your disability payment until their invoice is satisfied. The federal government caps the amount they can charge at $9200 for the life of the case. This is to prevent them from getting large portions of your entitlement payments.
Most people only look for an attorney after their initial claim has been denied. Common reasons for denial notices are insufficient evidence or an improperly filled-out application.
Don’t wait until you have been denied coverage to seek the help of a professional attorney. The earlier you hire an attorney to help, the better your chances of being approved are. This goes for every step of the application and appeals process.
Avoid pitfalls like improper filing, unsupported evidence, and miscommunication by hiring an attorney. You’ll be glad you did. In fact, 71% of applicants who won their case are happy they hired an attorney to help.