Who is Entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Becoming unable to work because of a serious physical or psychiatric ailment is distressing enough. Unfortunately, trying to obtain well-deserved benefits can sometimes be equally troubling. While, theoretically, the application process is a straightforward one that any individual can successfully navigate, in reality, the complexities and prolonged steps of the procedure often made more difficult by the original disability, can exacerbate the patient’s symptoms. Well-meaning family members, friends, and even professional social workers who try to assist may also find the process extremely frustrating.
Where to Apply for Benefits
Peña & Bromberg, a Prof Law Corp, can assist inidivuals seeking to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits. Remember, there is no fee unless we win your case. Alternatively, people who believe themselves to be eligible for SSDI or SSI can apply at any Social Security office. Once individuals meet the nonmedical criteria of those agencies, application forms will be forwarded to the Disability Determination Service Division, part of the California Department of Social Service, for further assessment.
Eligibility Requirements for SSDI
There are two basic types of requirements that must be met for SSDI: earning and disability. The qualifications for both are listed below.
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Disability Requirements for SSDI
SSDI is not intended to cover you for a temporary disability. In order to be deemed eligible for SSDI, you must be unable to perform “substantial” work (monthly earnings of $1090 or more in 2015) due to a physical or psychiatric condition expected to last for at least a year, or expected to result in your death. In addition, your ailment must prevent you from working not only at your previous type of job, but in any occupation for which your age, education, and experience qualify you.
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Earnings Requirements for SSDI
In order to be entitled to receive SSDI benefits, you must have made sufficient contributions to the Social Security trust fund, so your eligibility is based on the amount of your tax contributions through the years you have been able to work. These amounts are designated according to the age at which you have become disabled, meaning that the longer you have been able to work, the more money you will be expected to have contributed.
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Eligibility Requirements for Children
Disability requirements for children under the age of 18 follow Social Security’s established medical standards.
Filing for SSDI or SSI for yourself or a loved one can feel like a punishment in a situation in which you already feel victimized. For skilled, compassionate assistance, please turn to our experienced attorneys at Peña & Bromberg. We have been successfully serving clients throughout California including the Central Valley and Kern County area as Social Security Disability experts for over 30 years and can be reached at 559.439.9700.
