Becoming disabled and subsequently being unable to work and earn an income can be depressing, stressful, and nerve-wracking. If you are wondering how you will support yourself and your family when you are unable to work due to a medical condition, filing for Social Security disability benefits may be the answer.
Social Security disability benefits come in two forms – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – and refer to monthly benefit checks that are paid to those with a condition so disabling that it prevents them from working.
While both SSDI and SSI offer monthly benefit payments to qualifying recipients with a disability, the primary difference between SSDI and SSI is that in order to qualify for the latter, a person must be of limited income and resources. Further, in order to qualify for SSDI benefits, a person must have earned enough work credits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) during their working years. SSI benefits are also available to those who are blind or aged, as well as children.
In order to receive Social Security disability benefits, a person must have a qualifying disability, and this disability must be established through medical evidence. The Social Security Administration has created a Listing of Impairments that automatically qualify a person a disabled per the SSA’s definitions. If you have a disability or condition that is not found on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you may still qualify for benefits if you can prove that your condition is severe, prevents you from engaging in gainful activity (i.e. earning an income), and has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Working with a McHenry Social Security disability attorney before initiating your Social Security disability application can improve the odds of your claim being approved. This is because a Social Security disability attorney knows exactly what the SSA is looking for and how the administration makes decisions about who to approve – and who to deny – for SSDI/SSI benefits. If your claim is denied, a Social Security disability attorney can also represent you during the appeals process.
At The Comerford law Office, LLC, our McHenry Social Security disability lawyers are passionate about competently representing our clients and assisting them in recovering the SSI/SSDI benefits that they deserve. Whether you simply want to learn more about SSDI/SSI benefit, are ready to start the application process, or have recently received notice that your claim for benefits has been denied, we can help. To schedule a free case consultation with our law offices today, call us now at 312-863-8572, or fill out our online contact form.