Chicago Illinois SSI and SSDI Lawyers
Social security was established under the Social Security Act, and it is a governmental program that provides an income to disabled persons, retirees, spouses, and even dependent children of survivors. The Act is very complex in nature, and it lays out comprehensive sets of laws, along with stringent eligibility requirements. The laws that are set out also include detailed information for judicial review and administrative hearings. When you are filing for social security disability benefits, it is essential that you have a skilled and knowledgeable disability attorney on your side. Knowledgeable SSI and SSDI attorneys can begin preparing your case immediately, and these attorneys all have a high level of expertise in knowing how to navigate social security procedures and laws. For swift and positive determination results with your SSI or social security disability claim, contact their law office today.
Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Disability
Anyone who is younger than 65 years of age must be disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition of what disability is in order to qualify for benefits. The law defines a disability as any mental or physical impairment that keeps someone from performing gainful activity that is substantial, and the condition must either be expected to result in death. or last for 12 months or more. The law is the same for both SSI and SSDI.
Understanding SSI and Social Security Disability
Benefit payments for SSDI are provided to disabled people who have worked enough to earn “credits”. Credits are earned by paying taxes on social security income through wage deductions that are held from employment paychecks. There aren’t any limitations in place on assets or income with this form of social security, like there is with SSI. The credit amounts that you need to qualify for SSDI will vary based on what your age was at the time that your disability commenced. To calculate your work credits, or to find more in-depth information, check out https://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/credits1.htm.
SSI provides an income to disabled people who have limited resources and income. Income limitations will vary by the geographic location that you live in, but in most cases income will include wages from employment, Social Security benefit payments, alimony, pension money, child support, room and board if you receive it regularly, and interest. Social Security laws do allow exclusions for some types of income when a determination is being made as to whether or a not a person qualifies for SSI. The exclusions include but may not be limited to some work expenses for people that suffer from blindness or a disability, assets up to $2,000, or assets up to $3,000 if you are married and both you and your spouse receive SSI, and certain property such as your primary residence or vehicle.
The Claims Process
The whole disability claims process begins when you file an application for benefits with the Social Security Administration. The application will need to be very thorough, and should include all information regarding your financial situation, medical condition, and employment history. After your application for benefits has been submitted, it will then be sent to the state agency that is responsible for conducting the review. They may forward your claim to a qualified adjudicator who will either make a decision based on the information that you have provided, or who will request further information in order to make a determination. They may also require you to see a medical examiner other than your own that they choose. If you receive a denial on your disability claim, then you can submit a Reconsideration Request. This can be submitted to the State Determination Agency, and they could possibly appoint a different adjudicator, who has a fresh outlook on the matters at hand to conduct a review of the claim. If your Reconsideration Request is denied, then you can file a Request for Hearing so that your case can be heard in front of an Administrative Judge.
You will need the support of a knowledgeable Social Security Disability Lawyer that has extensive experience in fighting Social Security Disability cases. Contact social security and disability lawyers of Chicago using our toll free number (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation appointment. Let us tell you how we can help with the process of pursuing your benefits claim.
