SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY IS NOT A HANDOUT.

Let’s debunk the biggest myth surrounding the Social Security Disability program—that these benefits are some kind of handout. Over the years, politicians have labeled this program as an “entitlement,” but that is simply not the case. The fact is, you have been paying for this insurance your entire working life, and if you become unable to work, you have earned these benefits.

Look at any paystub you’ve ever received and notice that a chunk of your paycheck was deducted for FICA. This stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. This is money the federal government has taken out of every paycheck you’ve ever earned and held in a pot. That money is there for you so that if you become disabled, you will be able to replace some of your household income, pay your bills, and take care of your family. It’s that simple.

Applying for SSD insurance is no different than asking your auto insurance company to pay for having your car fixed when you have an accident while driving. It’s insurance, and that’s why you pay for it. DO NOT FEEL GUILTY FOR APPLYING FOR THESE BENEFITS. You have paid into the system for this very reason, and the benefits are there for you if you need them.

Social Security does administer another program, SSI, for those who have not paid enough into the system, including disabled children. However, the SSI program is much smaller and has very strict requirements, with only extremely low-income households being eligible for these benefits. Also, the monthly benefit amount for SSI is typically much lower than monthly SSDI benefits. No one is living high on the hog off SSI benefits, but they are crucial benefits that help out the most vulnerable in our population. There is absolutely no shame in applying for these benefits, either.

Whether you think you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both, we are happy to talk with you today.

WE WILL HELP GET YOU THE SSDI BENEFITS YOU DESERVE.

Are you considering applying for Social Security benefits or have you already applied and been denied? While we are happy to discuss any case with any person at any time, here are the general requirements our office looks for when considering whether to take on a new disability case:

• You must have stopped working, or at least cut back to part-time work grossing less than $1000 per month;
• You must have worked and paid in taxes long enough to be eligible for SSDI benefits, or meet the household income requirements for SSI benefits;
• You must have at least one severe medical impairment, diagnosed by a doctor, that limits your ability to perform your duties at work;
• You must be seeing a doctor regularly;
• Stronger cases usually involve people who are 50 or older (the guidelines for eligibility relax the closer you get to retirement age) who have had a lot of medical treatment.

This list is not exhaustive and every case is different. Please call us if you think you might qualify or if you just want to learn more. We will shoot you straight. If there is no way you will qualify for benefits, we will tell you upfront so you don’t waste your time.