Social Security Disability

Social Security administers several disability programs, each with different criteria. The most common disability programs are Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (sometimes referred to as “SSD,” “SSDI,” or “DIB,” or “Title II”) and Supplemental Security Income (generally referred to as “SSI” or “Title 16”).

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance is a program designed to provide continued income to workers who become unable to continue working due to a physical or mental disability. This program is available to those who have paid into the system through their payroll taxes. The amount of the monthly benefit is based on the amount paid into the system.

If you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you will also be eligible for Medicare after you have been receiving disability benefits for two years.

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must be under the age of 65 and:

• have a physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that prevents you from performing any "substantial gainful activity" ("SGA"), and
• the impairment must last, or be expected to last, a minimum of 12 months (or result in death), and
• you must have accumulated 20 work credits over the 10 years prior to the onset of your disability. Generally, this means that you have worked five out of the last ten years.

Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) is a financial need based program. This means that, in addition to meeting the disability criteria, you must also meet the financial needs criteria. If you are awarded SSI benefits, you will also be eligible to receive Medicaid to help ensure that you are able to get the healthcare treatment you need.

In order to qualify for Supplemental Security Income, you must be under the age of 65 and:

• have a physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that prevents you from performing any "substantial gainful activity" ("SGA"), and
• the impairment must last, or be expected to last, a minimum of 12 months (or result in death), and
• you must demonstrate that you have little or no income or other resources.

At Brandt Law Office, we will help ensure that you apply for all disability programs for which you are eligible and help you obtain the benefits you deserve. Please contact us today.