Every year, many Americans file for SSI or SSDI after becoming disabled. However, it can be difficult to decide whether or not to apply, as you may not be sure if you qualify. You should ask yourself these five questions, and consult your disability lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio, to determine what you should do next:
1. Do I know the difference?
SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, is a program that offers disability relief funds to those who have accumulated a certain number of work credits by working in the United States for a period of time. SSDI is granted regardless of need, as long as the minimum number of work credits is met. In contrast, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a program meant for low-income citizens who have not earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. It is a “means-tested” program because it is based off of financial need.
2. Do I know which is best for me or which one I am eligible for?
When choosing between SSDI and SSI, consider your financial assets and income, as well as how long you have worked in the U.S. If you do not have enough work credits to be eligible for SSDI, and you are considered “low-income”, it is more beneficial to apply for SSI. However, you can apply for both (called “concurrent benefits”), if you have little to no income and resources and are insured for SSDI benefits.
3. Are my symptoms severe and long-lasting?
The SSA requires that a condition persists for at least one year, or is projected to last at least one year, in order for it to be considered a disability. Ideally, before applying for SSI or SSDI, you should check with your doctor to see if they support your claim for disability. Furthermore, the SSA also looks for a condition to be “severe”, or to have a significant impact upon your daily life and activities.
4. Am I unable to work?
In order for your disability claim to hold up, your disability has to have a major impact on your ability to work and earn money to provide for yourself and/or your family. Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself if your disability has impeded your capacity to continue to earn what you were earning before, or to perform at the same level as you were before your injury. If the answer is yes, and you are unable to work full time or limited to just a few hours a week, then you should talk to an disability lawyer about filing for SSI or SSDI.
5. Do I have the necessary paperwork?
Before you file, you should have all of your medical records from every hospital or treatment center that has treated you in regards to your present injury, or have a list of all the medical sources to provide to your attorney and Social Security. This should be as comprehensive as possible; the more evidence you have of your disability, the greater the chances your claim will be accepted. You should also fill out the social security disability application by contacting a local disability attorney. If you live in Ohio, call Liner Legal.
