Our office can represent you in trying to obtain the two types of Disability Benefits offered by the federal government. You will not qualify for either if:
-Your disability will not last longer than 12 months.
-You are already receiving Social Security or SSI benefits.
-You are in jail.
-You are
earning over SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB, SSDI, or Social Security Disability)
These benefits are available to those who have worked approximately 5 full years out of the past 10 years and who have become unable to work.
This is an insurance benefit paid to those who have been paying into the system. Net worth and most household income will not prevent you from receiving Social Security Disability.
Supplemental Security Income
This program is for the elderly, blind, or disabled, even if you have never worked. There are several qualifications.
A. You must prove that you are disabled, or unable to work for at least 12 months
B. You can't have more than $2000 in liquid assets, if you are alone, or $3000 for a couple.
C. There must be a financial need, based on the income of the entire household:
An individual whose income is only from wages must be earning less than $1359 per month. An individual whose income is unearned
can't have more than $657 in income. A couple whose income is from wages can't earn more than $1997 per month. A couple whose income is
unearned can't have more than $976 per month in income.
Qualifying Disabilities
Many people think that because they have the same disability as somebody else who is receiving benefits, they will automatically be granted.
This isn't the case. The name of the disability isn't as important as how disabling it is. For instance, many people have epilepsy, or seizure problems. Some people only have seizures
once every few years. A disability application with this claim wouldn't be granted. Some people have them every day. An application with a supported claim like this would likely be granted. The Social Security administration has set some guidelines for
different disabilities. Use the links below for more information:
Anxiety Arthritis Back Problems Bipolar Disorder Cancer Cardiac/Heart
Cerebral Palsy Chronic Heart Failure COPD
Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes Depression Epilepsy
Mental Retardation Multiple Sclerosis Personality Disorders
PTSD Schizophrenia Somatoform Disorders
