subject: Social Security Disability: An Introduction [print this page] We hear every day about social security benefits being offered or denied to people and how claims are rejected and how people look for a Social Security Disability Attorney to help them further. But most of us dont understand what the whole procedure means, so here is a little introduction to the whole process.
Social Security is available to people who are disabled, due to which they are unable to earn or make a living. They are entitled to receive monthly benefit payments under two categories.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a program where you pay taxes into the social security system for a considerable amount of time before you are disabled. If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits irrespective of your assets or any other income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is more of a benefit extended to instant cases and one that is designed to help the needs of people who suddenly face disability. If a person is unable to get access to basic amenities, he/she would qualify for SSI in-spite of not having contributed any taxes to the system. However, claimants may not have more than a certain amount of assets or family income to qualify for SSI.
Having understood the schemes available, the next step would be to be look at the definition of disability according to the Social Security Administration. A claimant will have to justify the need for benefits based on the severity of the disability. The severity would have to concur with the levels set in the Social Security listings book (called the Listing of Impairments). If youre able to do so, you have a great chance of winning the claim. The book indentifies plenty of serious ailments such as arthritis, high blood pressure, asthma and heart failure. However, it has to be pointed out; its not very easy to win a case by meeting the levels set in the book.
The other alternative approach is to file a claim that the disability is severe enough for the claimant to not be able to earn a minimum income. The income slab is $1000 before taxes. Then you would have to put together your medical and non-medical requirements and fill-out paperwork with which various Social Security Disability Attorney are out there to help you. Finally, your claim can be registered.
