The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income to people who have a legitimate disability that makes working a steady job difficult. These programs offer monthly payments that are designed to cover basic living expenses like food and housing. However, these programs differ in certain areas regarding eligibility, when the benefits take effect, and who is accepted into the program. If you have further questions about either of these programs, be sure to consult with a Philadelphia disability lawyer.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for disabled people and certain family members. Eligibility can depend on how long you have worked a job and what type of medical condition you have. The SSA has a list of disabilities that qualify for benefits in their Blue Book. People who do not match any of these categories may find it difficult to have their application accepted.

The medical condition must also have prevented you from working for 12 months before you can apply for benefits. However, you can also apply if your disability is expected to lead to an early death. They do not accept short-term disabilities or partial disabilities. This program requires you to be younger than your retirement age. Otherwise, you would receive disability and retirement benefits.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that offers benefits to adults and children who struggle with a disability and have low incomes. Unless you have a legitimate disability, only those ages 65 or older can apply for this program. Like SSDI, your condition must fit one of the disability categories listed in the Blue Book.

Your low income and lack of resources must also be proven. This can be done by offering documents that show how much income you make each year. Not only can your monthly income affect your eligibility, but your marital status can, too. Being married could mean your spouse’s income needs to be taken into account as well.

The good news is that there is no waiting period to apply for SSI. You are not required to have a work history of five months before your disability to qualify. SSI is designed for people who struggle to find work or have little work experience. To increase your chances of having your benefits application accepted, see a doctor for your condition so you can have access to medical records that list what type of disability you have. Many applicants are denied due to a lack of evidence for their disability.

Philadelphia Insurance Lawyer in Philadelphia

Talk to a Philadelphia delayed insurance benefits lawyer if you have experienced trouble with your application. We have the experience needed to figure out what went wrong during the application process and will work with you to collect any other documents you need to prove your disability. If we have to file an appeals letter to earn you benefits, we can do that, too. Contact Edelstein & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 today for consultation.