Are You Looking to Apply for SSI/SSDI Benefits? Let Us Help You
Disability is one of the most unplanned hurdles in life. Very few people plan for an unexpected disability that could affect their ability to work or pay the bills. But when it does happen, people expect Social Security to grant Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) when they need it most. While many people may be eligible, people often have their claim rejected, leading to a delay in the payment they desperately need. Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Newton Square, PA, are well aware of the struggles that many face when trying to obtain Social Security benefits and are prepared to help you gain the full benefits you deserve.
Here at Silver & Silver, we have over 40 years of representing individuals who apply for SSI or SSDI, in Pennsylvania. We can help apply, respond to document requests, appeal, or otherwise fight for the full benefits that a person may deserve under the law. If you or a loved one have applied or want to apply for SSI/SSDI, learn how we can help you today.
Types of Social Security Benefits
There are two types of Social Security benefits that an individual may be eligible for. In rare instances, an individual may be eligible for both types of benefits. The types of Social Security benefits an individual may receive include the following:
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Individuals are eligible for SSDI if they have a work history and have paid the minimum amount set by law into the system. Individuals must have 40 credits to be eligible. Credits are earned at a rate of a maximum of four a year. Thus, individuals must have worked at least ten years during the look-back period, which is 20 years.
This type of benefit pays more than Supplemental Security Income because individuals have paid into the system through at least ten years of their paychecks.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is indicated for individuals with limited resources and income. In addition, these individuals must be either disabled, blind, or are 65 years of age or older.
In addition to disabled, blind, or individuals above the age of 65, widows of a disabled worker may be eligible to receive benefits at the widow’s full retirement age.
Examples of Conditions Eligible for Social Security Disability
Virtually any type of disability, form of blindness, or other injury could result in eligibility for Social Security Disability payments. Some of the most common medical conditions that are accepted by the SSA include, but are not limited to the following:
- Cerebral palsy
- Blindness
- HIV
- AIDS
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- COPD
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Liver disease
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Coronary artery disease
- Back or neck injuries that are considered serious
- Catastrophic personal injuries resulting in temporary or permanent disability preventing a person from being able to work
- Other serious and debilitating injuries or disabilities that plague a person
Applying for Social Security Benefits
Applying for Social Security benefits can be quite confusing. If you apply for the wrong type of benefit or fail to submit the necessary documentation, your claim may be rejected. Additionally, your claim may be wrongly rejected, which is why you need an experienced Social Security Disability law firm like Silver & Silver to help you to navigate applying for Social Security, submitting an appeal, or representing individuals who have had their claims rejected at a disability hearing.
Regardless of where you are in the process, if your claim has been rejected or if you are initiating the application process, learn how our disability team in Newtown Square, PA, can assist you. Call us today by dialing 610-638-7255 or send us a message with our “contact us” box available here. We offer FREE consultations to advise individuals of what their rights may be under the law.