Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income can both be fantastic ways to support yourself if you’re living with a disability. Social Security Disability Insurance covers you if you’ve become disabled after you worked long enough and paid enough in Social Security taxes. On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income is designed to provide benefits to people who become disabled before they can do so.
The Social Security Administration has a benefits eligibility screening tool that you can use to see if you qualify for benefits, but this isn’t always accurate. Your attorney can work with you directly to determine if you could qualify for one of these programs. If you have applied and been denied the benefits that you were hoping to receive, then you attorney can assist you with your appeal and make sure that you supply the correct information on your forms.
You should know that what is generally recognized as a disability versus what the Social Security Administration refers to as a disability may be different. There is a standard that must be met. Specifically, you must be unable to work or having a terminal illness (in most cases). You also have to show that there’s no other less-strenuous work you can do.
There’s no question that it’s difficult to know if you’ll qualify for Social Security Disability. That’s why you may want to look into discussing your application or appeal with someone familiar with working with these documents. Our website has more information on the steps you can take if you’re looking into Social Security Disability or have been denied.
