America is a country with a strong work ethic, and people who cannot work are often sneered upon, even if it is due to a disability. If you are unable to work, you may have considered applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Social Security Insurance.
Before you begin, you should know the difference between the two types of assistance and the qualifications for each. You may also want to consult with an SSI attorney before you turn in your paperwork.
What Is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
Although both programs offer funds for disabled people, the qualifications for SSI and SSDI are different. SSDI is a program for people who cannot work currently, but have acquired a certain amount of work credits in their lifetime. SSI is based only on need. It is a program for those who may never have worked or who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI.
What They Have in Common
Although both programs are intended for U.S citizens, There are some circumstances under which a foreigner may be able to get assistance. If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you may be entitled to benefits.
You must be considered medically disabled by the State of California to get either of these types of assistance. If your disability is not life-threatening, you must prove that it is chronic or may last a year or longer. You must have been disabled for at least 6 months when you apply.
What Qualifies a Person for SSI?
SSI is funded by the General Tax Fund and not the Department of Social Security. In order to qualify for SSI, you must have less than $2000 in cash and other assets. An SSI recipient will have little or no income.
A person who is disabled may not earn more than $783.00 a month. Couples may not make over $1175 a month. You should know that some forms of income are not countable. For example, if you require special transportation due to your disability, the amount of money you pay for that transportation may not be considered a countable income. The first $20 you make from any income source is not countable.
If you do qualify for benefits, the SSI office will subtract your uncountable income from your gross pay to determine your “countable income.” They will then subtract your countable income from the amount of $783.00 to determine how much money you will receive each month. Most states add money to the payment. The State of California adds $160.72 and that amount will also be adjusted according to your countable income.
In order to establish a disability, you will have to be examined by a doctor. You will also have to fill out a good deal of paperwork.
What Qualifies a Person for SSDI?
If you are interested in receiving SSDI, you should know that there are several basic criteria. Your particular type of disability must be on Social Security’s official list of impairments and it must be severe. They will also want to know if you are able to perform your previous job or if you are capable of doing a different type of work.
You must have earned a certain number of “work credits” In order to qualify for SSDI. The number of work credits you will need is determined by the age at which you became disabled and the number of years you have worked. If you do qualify for SSDI, you will receive somewhere between $800 and $1800 a month.
Less than half of first-time applicants are accepted on SSDI, so it is important to hire a good attorney, like William Zimmerman to represent you. No one ever expects to go on disability, but sometimes life takes an unfortunate turn. The right attorney can get you the money you deserve.
