Today’s governments and societies implement many programs to help their citizens live a happy, comfortable, and fulfilling life. This is especially true when it comes down to offering help to those unable to provide for themselves because of disabilities.
Social Security Disability benefits are essential for those individuals, and they play a major role in allowing those who need it the most to count on a regular income.
However, qualifying for and obtaining Social Security Disability benefits can be an overwhelming process without the necessary help. Below are helpful resources that can help you get started with your application.
Overview
As a disability can heavily impact an individual or a family’s finances, Social Security Disability Benefits supply the necessary financial help to those who can’t provide for themselves.
There are two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs have different eligibility requirements. SSDI is for those who have been recently working and paying Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and ability to work.
The recipient of benefits will perceive a salary-like income each month, with money partly deriving from the federal government and partly supplied by the state.
While these monthly payments can truly improve a person’s quality of life with a disability, it can be tricky to obtain these benefits. Indeed, the process to go through can be lengthy and challenging, and many applicants are denied their benefits at first.
The strict guidelines and requirements introduced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) limit the number of people who can qualify for such benefits and even reduce those receiving them.
Who Can Benefit?
Claimants have to respect precise requirements to qualify for benefits. Here is what you need to know:
Age. The SSI program helps citizens who are 65 or over or those who are disabled. SSDI is for those under age 65.
Ability to Work. Both SSDI and SSI support those who are unable to work due to disability outside their control.
Resources. For SSI benefits, your properties and possessions will be analyzed to ensure they fall beneath a certain value.
Medical Condition. For both programs, you only qualify if you have a serious medical condition that will last at least one year or likely cause death.
While these rules and regulations might seem particularly strict at first, they are designed to regulate the way this help is handed out to citizens. Indeed, this selection allows the SSA to only provide this service to those who truly need it while cutting out those who are trying to take advantage of it.
Receiving Benefits
If you are granted disability benefits, you will be able to receive monthly payments from the government. However, the amount you can expect each month might vary slightly.
For example, In 2019 in California, the maximum that an individual could receive for SSI per month was $900. In 2020, this value has changed. A married couple can now receive about $1175 per month and an individual applicant about $783.
How Do I Apply?
Applying for SSI is a straightforward process, and you can complete the initial application by yourself by following the detailed instructions on the SSA website. It is also possible to apply over the phone or in person at a local SSA office.
After the initial application, the local Social Security Office will get in touch and explain all about the next steps you will have to go through. If you are denied the benefits after your application’s assessment, you can still appeal through a reconsideration request.
When going through an SSI initial application or appeal, a social security attorney will help you speed up the process, navigate the different stages, and suggest you the best next move. Applying for benefits or an appeal can be a complicated process, but an experienced attorney can help you through it.
