Do I Qualify to Apply for Disability?
Our office can represent you in trying to obtain the two types of Disability Benefits offered by the federal government. You will not qualify for either if:
- Your disability will not last longer than 12 months.
- You are already receiving Social Security or SSI benefits.
- You are in jail.
- You are earning over SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity)
Currently More than 150 million people are insured for SSDI benefits, meaning they paid for them and have the right to apply and appeal for SSDI benefits. To find out if you qualify, or to apply for disability benefits, simply fill out the short form on the right side of this page and we’ll help you with the application process.
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB, SSDI, or SSDisability)
These benefits are available to those who have worked approximately 5 full years out of the past 10 years and who have become unable to work. This is an insurance benefit paid to those who have been paying into the system. Net worth and most household income will not prevent you from receiving Social Security Disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This program is for the elderly, blind, or disabled, even if you have never worked. There are several qualifications.
- You must prove that you are disabled, or unable to work for at least 12 months
- You can’t have more than $2000 in liquid assets, if you are alone, or $3000 for a couple.
- There must be a financial need, based on the income of the entire household:
- An individual whose income is only from wages must be earning less than $1359 per month.
- An individual whose income is unearned can’t have more than $657 in income.
- A couple whose income is from wages can’t earn more than $1997 per month.
- A couple whose income is unearned can’t have more than $976 per month in income.
Many people think that because they have the same disability as somebody else who is receiving benefits, they will automatically be granted. This isn’t the case. The name of the disability isn’t as important as how disabling it is.SSA has identified impairments within 14 major body systems that are considered severe enough to prevent someone from doing “gainful activity,” which means work that earns income. Most of these conditions are permanent, and could result in death.
For instance, many people have epilepsy, or seizure problems. Some people only have seizures once every few years. A disability application with this claim wouldn’t be granted. Some people have them every day. An application with a supported claim like this would likely be granted. The Social Security administration has set some guidelines for different disabilities.
In December 2010, of the $48,178,537,000 of federally administered payments from the SSI program, $5,444,383,000 was spent on individuals eligible based on being ages 65 years or older, $420,161,000 was spent on individuals eligible based on blindness, and $43,312,038,000 was spent on individuals eligible based on disability.