Social Security Disability and SSI

Both programs help pay benefits to people who have become disabled. In order to qualify for SSD, you must have paid in enough work credits to the program. As a general rule, SSD provides a higher monthly benefit amount. Another advantage to the Social Security Disability program is that if you qualify, your spouse and/or dependent children may also qualify for benefits based on your eligibility. Supplemental Security Income is a needs based program. Therefore, Social Security will need to look into your assets and household income to see if you qualify.

Generally, any physical or mental medical condition that is severe enough to keep you from working for at least 12 months, or is likely to end in death, will qualify you for either program. However, you cannot prove this by simply not having a job for a year. Social Security uses an extensive set of regulations based on your medical condition, your remaining ability to work, your age, education, training and work experience in deciding your case. For specific information on your medical condition, you should contact Tyler and Maderer, PLLC.

You can apply for Social Security Disability online. Supplemental Security Income is a paper application. Therefore, if you apply for SSI without an attorney, you will have to contact your local Social Security office to apply. However, at Tyler and Maderer, PLLC, we will put in all the applications for you.

You should appeal the decision within 60 days of the date of the denial. There is a difference between appealing and reapplying. If you reapply, you will most likely lose any accumulated back due benefits from your original application. We can help you decide if you should appeal or reapply. We will file the appeal or new application.

(the following are estimates) Initial application – 5 months Reconsideration – 2 months Hearing Request – 12 months

When you apply for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, you have the burden to prove you are disabled. This entails completing paperwork, keeping up with deadlines and making sure Social Security has sufficient evidence. Also, the majority of applicants are denied and eventually need to go before an Administrative Law Judge to argue their case. The process of qualifying can be complicated, time-consuming and frustrating.There are hundreds of exceedingly complex rules and regulations. At Tyler and Maderer, we fight the government, so you can focus on your health. We keep up with deadlines, paperwork, evidence and appeals. Also, there is no upfront cost to hiring Tyler and Maderer as your Social Security attorneys. We only charge you, when we win your case.