Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits: 3 Facts You Should Know
Posted on: 28 April 2015
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Whether you have been disabled since birth or have recently become disabled due to a serious injury or medical condition, you may be able to get the financial assistance that you require by filing for social security benefits. However, before you rush down to the local Social Security Administration, there are a few facts that you should know.
You Cannot Collect SSD Benefits With No Work History
Social security disability (SSD) benefits are designed to help disabled workers meet their financial obligations in the event that they are no longer about to work. Each time a worker receives a paycheck, they are required to pay into this benefits system.
Once a year, the Social Security Administration calculates work credits for all workers. These credits are based on the amount of income each worker received. When applying for social security benefits, you will need to have a certain number of work credits in order to qualify for benefits.
In the event that you are unable to qualify for SSD benefits based on your work history, you may still be able to get the financial assistance you need in the form of supplemental security income (SSI) benefits. There are no work credit requirements associated with these benefits.
You Can Collect Both SSD And SSI Benefits
While SSD and SSI benefit programs have different qualification requirements, both of these programs will be made available to disabled individuals. In some cases, you may be able to qualify for benefits under both programs.
In order to qualify for both SSD and SSI benefits, you will need to meet medical requirements proving that you are disabled, have the required amount of work credits, and meet the income requirements associated with the SSI program.
If you qualify for SSD benefits, your income will automatically be taken into account in order to determine whether or not you qualify for SSI benefits. There will be no need to file a separate application in order to obtain these benefits.
You Have The Right To Be Represented
The process of successfully obtaining the social security benefits that you need and deserve can be complex and time consuming. Furthermore, even a minor mistake during the application process could result in the denial of your benefits. That is why it is so important for individuals to understand that they do not have to face this application process alone.
You have the right to be represented by a social security attorney like Michael P Boyle at any point during the application process. This includes the appeals process if your original application is denied.