Social Security Disability Benefits
By Attorney Chris Sharry on June 4th, 2010 in Disability, Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income are federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Both SSDI and SSI are administered by the Social Security Administration and are only available to individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria.
- SSDI – SSDI pays benefits if you worked long enough and paid social security taxes
- SSI – SSI pays benefits based on financial need
What is the definition that Social Security uses to determine if an individual is disabled?
Under the Social Security Act, “disability” means “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” Unfortunately, there is no set list of disease, injury or disability that Social Security uses to determine eligibility for benefits. Social Security will make a decision based on the severity of the disability and how it affects the specific claimant.
Please call our office for questions regarding your claim or application or to schedule an initial consultation.
