Nobody enjoys needing to ask for help. If you can’t work because of you’ve been injured or suffer from a physical or psychological condition, Willig, Williams & Davidson can help you determine whether there are federal benefits available for you.
The federal government offers benefits to people with disabilities who meet certain qualifications. The two largest federal programs for the disabled are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Though both are administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration, the two programs are different and require that applicants meet differing criteria.
Unfortunately, finding your way through these federal benefits programs can be a difficult and paperwork-intensive process. Many people who are eligible to receive federal assistance needlessly suffer in poverty because they don’t know how to gain access to the benefits system.
That’s where Willig, Williams & Davidson comes in. We’ll quickly help you determine which benefits are available to you. If you’re eligible, one of our SSI/SSDI attorneys and our knowledgeable office staff will stand by your side through the application process. We’ll file the right paperwork and ensure that your disability case is represented properly.
If you already have applied for Social Security Disability benefits and have been denied, you have the right to file an appeal of that determination. Willig, Williams & Davidson has experienced SSDI/SSI attorneys who can file the appeal and represent you during the appeal process.
What benefits are available?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available only to disabled people who have enough work credits from a prior work history to qualify. It typically pays a higher benefit. If you have worked in the past but now are suffering from a medical condition or injury which prevents you from working, you may be entitled to these benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly stipend provided to a person who qualifies as aged (65 or older), blind or disabled and meets requirements that demonstrate financial need. These benefits, which are meant to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, are not conditioned on the recipient’s prior work history.
Who is eligible for benefits?
Eligibility for benefits from both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance varies depending on the nature of your condition as well as your age, work history, education level and work restrictions. Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated before a determination of eligibility can be made.
Social Security Administration guidelines determine if an individual qualifies as disabled, and whether you have worked recently and for a long enough period of time to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
If you qualify and do receive SSDI benefits, after two years, you may be eligible for Medicare health insurance benefits. Again, these benefits are available only to people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system.
In addition, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may be payable to you, even if you are already receiving disability benefits through workers’ compensation or another type of disability benefit such as Act 534/632 or Heart & Lung.
You’re not alone. We’re waiting to help.
Please call contact our office for a free consultation today.