SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Social Security disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs designed to help with specified financial hardships before retirement age. If you are unemployable in the workforce due to a disease or injury, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are difficult to obtain. The approval rate for California cases is only 31%. Claims are not always approved but if you have a valid Social Security disability case, you may need an attorney.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program for workers who become unable to work, meet the definition and standards for disability and who have enough qualifying work quarters. It is administered by the Federal Social Security Administration (“SSA”), funded both by “FICA” tax withheld from workers’ pay and by employer contributions, and pays qualifying disabled workers both cash and health care benefits.

You can apply for disability benefits if you:

• Are age 18 or older
• Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record
• Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days

You do not need an attorney to begin this process. Go to https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib and start your online application by yourself. You can also apply over the phone at 800-772-1213. Take your time and make sure you read through all the important information as it pertains to your situation. You don’t have to complete it in one sitting. Just make sure you save your work and note your application number for easier access.

After you file the initial application, it will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD) to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits. If an attorney assists you in the application process and you’re denied benefits, no attorney fees will be collected. Only those with successful claims of rewarded benefits will have the applicable attorney fees.