However, the craziest part with all these influx of applicants is that, there are huge numbers of both old and first-time applicants who get lost in the Social Security Administration's system.



In this respect, a group of SSD Attorneys has found it compelling to give real valued advice in matters of Social Security Disability. This has bearings especially to those that are currently or are intending to deal with a long-term or permanent disability.

Specifically, this article highlights the Social Security disability program regarding its benefits and subjects, along with the SSD Attorneys? worthwhile advices.

Social Security Disability program

There are two programs under the Social Security disability program. One is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the other is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Only disabled individuals who meet medical criteria can qualify for benefits under both programs.

1. What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal disability welfare benefit held under the Social Security Administration. This program gives benefits to the qualified disabled worker (that have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes) and to some extent, to certain members of their family.

Social Security pays only for total disability. Benefits cannot be paid to those who only suffer partial or short-term disability.

Under this program, "disability" follows a strict definition.

Specifically, the program defines disability as, ?the inability of the covered worker to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which impairment can last or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months".

2. Who can be the subjects of SSDI Benefits? What are the requirements for eligibility?

SSDI are usually paid to individuals who have worked and earned enough credits. A maximum of four credits can be earned in a year. Forty credits are required to be eligible for benefits. Consequently, a worker must work a sum of ten years to qualify.

However, for individuals under the age of 31, the requirements are a little different and less stringent considering that they have not been in the work force for long.

The beneficiary must be covered by SSA's definition of disability defined above.

3. What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

The SSI program grants benefits to disabled adults and children who do not have sufficient income and resources. It is also awarded to people who are 65 and older even without disability as long as they meet financial limits.

SSI is a federal income supplement service funded by general tax revenues and not by Social Security taxes. It pays benefits based on financial need. It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. It also provides monthly payments to meet basic needs.

4. Who can be the subjects of SSI Benefits? What are the requirements for eligibility?

Who is eligible?

?People 65 years and older

?Blind or disabled people of any age

?Children who are suffering from a medical condition, including behavioral and learning disorders

According to the Eligibility Standards of SSA, an applicant should:

?have ?limited income and resources?

?be a US citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens who are not subject to deportation or removal

?be a resident of one of the 50 states including the Northern Mariana Islands

?be absent from a county for a full calendar month or more than 30 consecutive days

?agree to apply for any other cash benefits for whom he or she may be entitled

?meet certain other requirements

Social Security Disability Advices

In filing SSD benefit claims of the disabled and those unable to work, it is advisable to pursue a claim for Social Security disability as soon as possible. This is true in all cases and situations, as disability claims can be lengthy at times.

To first-time applicants, claimants with rejected claims or claimants whose claims are on appeal or reconsideration, it is advisable to get an experienced SSD Attorney.

An experienced attorney knows how the social security disability system works and gives best result in their client's claim pursuit. An Attorney can provide proper representation and effective legal help, ending with a winning claim.

Take this fact, going to a hearing before the SSA or ALJ unrepresented is a poor judgment that can lead to jeopardizing disability claim.