The Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Your adult children also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a disability that started before age 22.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources and have not paid into the social Security system for the required number of quarters.

For most people, the medical requirements are the same under both programs and disability is determined by the same process.

If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may be able to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration to help you pay for medical bills and everyday living expenses.

Although you may think you need to quit your job to qualify for disability benefits, this is not the case. In fact, if you quit your job during your application process, you need to prove to the SSA that this decision was due to your disability and not so that you could lower your income to qualify for benefits.

Generally, we will handle SSDI and SSI cases and will charge 25% of past due benefits, not to exceed $6,000.00. We will only get paid if we win your case.

Disabled people who are approved for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits will receive Medicare and those approved for Supplemental Income (SSI) will receive Medicaid. However, SSDI recipients are not eligible to receive Medicare benefits until two years after their date of entitlement. Because it takes a year or two to be approved for disability benefits SSDI recipients often become eligible for Medicare soon after they get their award letter from Social Security.

SSI recipients, in most states, are automatically approved for Medicaid benefits from the date of their entitlement.

• Submit all medical records you have to Social Security when you first apply.
• Continue to get medical treatment and try not to miss appointments.
• If you are denied, appeal right away. You have 60 days to appeal the decision.
• If you start to see a new doctor, have a hospital stay or go for a new medical test, tell your attorney immediately.
• Always stay involved with your case.
• The Social Security process is long and frustrating. Never take it out on a Social Security employee, it can hurt your case.
• If you do not have an attorney consult with one who has handled many Disability cases in and around the area you reside.
• Speak with your doctor and see if he or she will complete a Residual Functional Capacity form (RFC). These are very important on the success of your case. We have them in our office or you can obtain them from the Social Security Administration online.
• Keep a journal of your day to day life and how your condition affects you. In this journal note things like any side effects from your medications, how your daily living routine is affected by your disability as well as your sleeping patterns.

It depends on your individual case. Those with limited resources and have not worked for a number of years or falls short of the needed payroll quarters should apply for SSI.

Anyone who has worked for a significant amount of time should see about applying for Social Security disability insurance benefits. Keep in mind that many people qualify under both programs.