SSI vs. SSDI When Hiring A Disability Attorney
Filing for disability can be an overwhelming process. Most of the time, people don’t even know where to begin, and this is totally understandable because it is a very complicated system that involves a ton of paperwork, often determined on a case-by-case basis. That is why hiring a disability attorney from the start will not only save you a ton of headaches, but will also speed up the process and improve your chances of getting accepted.
Disability Is Based On A Number Of Factors
The type and amount of disability benefits a person receives is based on a number of factors ranging from age, health, if you’ve ever held a job, and if so, how much you got paid over the years, to a number of other factors. Disability can be broken down into two main categories, and it is important to know the difference between the two before applying because the benefits can vary significantly depending on which one you qualify for. Knowing the difference before you hire a disability attorney can also save you a lot of time, confusion, and money.
Social Security Disability Vs. Supplemental Security Income
One is Social Security Disability and the other is Supplemental Security Income. The only thing they have in common is that they are both government programs ran by the Social Security Administration that provide subsidy payments to people who meet the definition of disabled according to the federal definition. They are frequently identified by their initials SSDI and SSI. Although the initials are similar, the programs are entirely different and have vastly contrasting financial requirements.
Means Tested Program Vs. Entitlement Program
The main difference is that SSI is a means-tested program, and SSDI is an entitlement program. SSI is designed to meet the basic needs of elderly, blind and disabled individuals who don’t receive enough income to pay for adequate food and shelter. Because the financial requirements for this particular set of people are very strict, it is known as a “means-tested” benefit, meaning that you have to make below a certain amount of money to be eligible for it. Although SSI typically pays much less than SSDI, it provides Medicaid coverage in many cases, whereas SSDI provides Medicare and primarily only covers routine hospital services along with most, but not all, primary medical care.
Who Qualifies For Social Security Disability Insurance
The main confusion lies in the overlap in terms of eligibility. This is why it is determined on a case-by-case basis. The people that would qualify under SSDI eligibility requirements include low-income individuals who are 65 or older, disabled or blind adults (based on the SSA definition), and disabled or blind children. It also works like Social Security retirement in that it covers the children and widows of disabled workers. To put it into a single definition, SSDI is an earned-benefit entitlement program that is typically available to anyone who has paid into the Social Security system for at least ten years and is physically and mentally impaired enough to prevent them from being able to work.
Why Hiring A RGG Law Disability Attorney Is Wise
Social Security denies about 70 percent of disability claimants after the initial application. It is such a common occurrence that there is a pervading myth that all first time applicants get denied. Beyond that, Social Security will keep denying you for disability if you continue to make new applications instead of filing an appeal. The goal is to eventually get your case heard by a judge in a Social Security Disability appeal, which gives you the best chance of winning. The only way to do this is by hiring an experienced disability attorney. RGG Law has a team of expert Disability attorneys with a history of winning disability cases. Schedule a free consultation to speak with a disability attorney now. Call RGG Law.