Disability Benefits

Disability is something no one likes to imagine but that sadly affects a great many: Studies show that the average 20-year-old has almost a 33 percent chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement.

Fortunately, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits make it easier to manage expenses when you are disabled. Both pay benefits monthly and most people qualify for one program or the other:

• SSDI benefits are available to individuals (and certain family members) who have paid Social Security taxes and have worked long enough (typically a minimum of five out of the last 10 years). Benefits are based on how much you have paid in taxes over the years, with Medicare benefits beginning two years after SSDI benefits begin.

• SSI benefits are available to individuals who have not paid Social Security taxes and who meet specific financial requirements. Individuals who qualify for SSI will also begin receiving Medicaid benefits after two years.

For most people, the medical requirements are the same under both programs and disability is determined by the same process. Both ask for information about your medical condition, work, and education to determine if you qualify.

When and how to apply

Apply for SSDI or SSI benefits as soon as you become disabled. The date of your application affects how far back in time you can claim past due benefits.

Applying for SSDI may be done online, at www.socialsecurity.gov, or by calling your local Social Security Administration office. You may also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to file a disability claim at your local Social Security office or to make an appointment for someone to take your claim over the phone. The claims interview lasts about an hour.

Applying for SSI can be done partially online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or by calling making an appointment with a representative at the Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

You will need the following information when you begin your application including:

• Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your physicians, hospitals, and/or the clinics where you have been treated for your disabling condition(s)

• Names and dosages of medication you take

• Your work history, including where you worked and the kind of work you performed

• Social Security number and birth certificate

You can find detailed information on each program at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html for SSDI and www.ssa.gov/pubs/11000.html#part4 for SSI.

If your claim is denied

Many things can affect the outcome of your application for benefits, from the type of disability you have to whether you are treated by a specialist or general practitioner.

If you are denied coverage and disagree with the decision, you can request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial. If that request is denied, you may request a hearing. You may appeal that decision to the Appeals Council. If the Appeals Council denies your request for review, you may appeal that decision to Federal District Court. Under some circumstances, you may wish to appeal the decision even further. At each level, you must wait for a decision to be made before you can proceed to the next step.

The road can be a long one, and it is hard to predict how quickly you will know whether your case will be heard. The number of cases at the Social Security Administration can affect how long you wait for a hearing. Some circumstances, however, can expedite a hearing such as if a person is in danger of becoming homeless.

How a lawyer can help

Having an attorney can have a great impact on your success in making a claim for SSI or SSDI at any stage in the process. Whether you are filing for benefits for the first time, have been denied benefits, or have a claim pending, you can reach attorney Leslie Sarji at 843-302-2050 to schedule a review of your situation and determine the best course of action.