Do You Qualify For Disability?

Being injured can change your life. From no longer being able to do the things you enjoy, to have to worry about how you’ll make an income, there will be plenty of things on your plate to consider. For those that have been in an accident or suffered a life-altering health condition that leaves them unable to work, there are options to supplement or replace their missing income. The United States has two funds. These include Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. 

How do you know which disability program you’re entitled to? There are many factors that will go into which you may qualify. The first step is to contact your local social security lawyer Tulsa. Your attorney can give you greater insight as to which to apply for and which you should, without question, be entitled to. 

SSDI

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, you may have heard that it is complicated. In fact, many don’t get approved on their first filing. It is imperative that you have a legal representation to ensure you have the best odds of winning your case. You’ll need to have information available, including your work history for the last 15 years, medical documentation of your injury or illness, a doctor’s note recommending or stating that you are no longer able to work, and much more. These payments are made monthly and replace a good portion of the income you were making. To qualify for SSDI, you must have paid into the program; this means you have to have the work history. 

SSI

Supplemental security income is vastly different from SSDI. The most significant difference is that you don’t have to show work history. You also didn’t need to pay into the program. That being said, what you will collect on SSI is substantially lower than SSDI. To qualify for this program, you must be able to show that you or your dependent is not able to work and has a medical condition that is going to prevent them from having gainful employment. Typically SSI is beneficial for families that have disabled children that are going to be unable to work and will need care for most, if not all, their life. 

The only way to determine which you qualify for is to look at the requirement, and then speak to an attorney. Your lawyer will go over your work history and medical conditions, ask questions, to better determine the course of action that is right for you. If you’ve been injured or have a medical condition keeping you from working, don’t wait, apply as soon as possible to start receiving your benefits.

About This Author

Shaun Sainz Joined: July 16th, 2020