Suffering from an illness or an injury that makes it impossible to work a full-time job can be a huge financial burden. For many people, seeking out income assistance through a Social Security disability claim may be their only chance to remain in their homes or put food on the table.
Sadly, many of these claims are denied for failing to prove a specific set of criteria. Even so, the receipt of a denial is not the end of a claim. All people have the right to file an appeal and obtain a hearing before a judge.
Whether you need help with applying for benefits or appealing a denied claim, an Elsmere Social Security lawyer can be a crucial advocate. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya, our seasoned attorneys can explain the available disability programs, determine your potential eligibility, and help pursue the benefits that you need.
The Two Social Security Disability Programs
Social Security disability plans can give direct cash payments to successful applicants. However, it is important to understand the differences between the two types of programs, which each offer unique benefits and have different eligibility requirements.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
One program is called Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. SSI is available to children and adults regardless of their work history. To be eligible for SSI, an applicant needs to demonstrate that they suffer from an illness or injury that makes it impossible for them to participate in substantially gainful activity, generally a job that takes place for 30 or more hours a week. However, there is a limit to the amount of assets that a person may have and still qualify for these payments.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The other program is called Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. To qualify for these benefits, applicants must prove their medical disability in the same way as in an SSI claim. However, there is also a requirement that a person have a substantial work history. In short, the number of payments that a person is eligible to receive through SSDI is tied to their amount of time spent at work over the previous years. An experienced attorney at our Elsmere office can further explain the differences and similarities between the two Social Security disability programs.
The Role of a Social Security Lawyer
It is not unusual for a person’s application for Social Security benefits to be denied. Regardless of the reason for this denial, all people have the right to appeal their case. Generally, a claimant has 60 days after they learn of a denial to file their appeal.
An Elsmere Social Security attorney can help with the appeals process in many ways. An attorney can identify the reasons for the denial and determine whether an appeal makes sense. If it does, a lawyer can gather the additional evidence necessary to make an approval more likely.
If the appeal still fails to bring benefits, people have the right to request a judge’s hearing. Here, the judge will consider the case from a fresh perspective and issue their own decision concerning a person’s eligibility for benefits. At any stage of the appeals process, having support from an Elsmere Social Security lawyer may help a claimant’s chances of a successful outcome.
Reach Out to an Elsmere Social Security Attorney Today
Receiving a denial letter after filing an application for Social Security disability benefits can be disheartening. However, as long as you act quickly to request an appeal, your case can continue. Whether you are looking to obtain benefits through SSI, SSDI, or both, an Elsmere Social Security lawyer may be able to help.
The lawyers at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya can explain the key differences between SSI and SSDI. We can also help to explore the reason for your denial and determine an effective strategy to appeal the decision. Finally, if it is necessary, our attorneys can appear before a judge to argue your case. Contact our office today to discuss your situation.
