Social Security Disability Insurance
When a person has become disabled and can no longer work an application for Social Security Disability benefits should be considered.
Disability is defined as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of 12 months (permanency is not required).
Depending on a claimant’s age, education, literacy, and past relevant, he or she may receive benefits, even if able to perform some form of sedentary or light work.
Social Security Disability (SSDI) is for persons with a substantial work history whereas Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for persons without a substantial work history. SSDI is paid up to 12 months prior to application date whereas SSI is paid as of the month after the application date. There are also family benefits available for SSDI applicants whereas there are no family benefits with SSI.
The application and hearing process can be long and complicated with some cases only taking a few months and others more than a year. Social Security Administration denies the majority of cases and, therefore, consulting early with Ahearn Law is crucial to a successful “Award” of benefits.
SSDI is not a government handout. It is paid from the weekly wages of all working people in the United States. It is your right to use it if you meet the criteria as set forth by the Social Security Administration,
i.e. have paid enough into the system over the years and are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment. We have successfully represented numerous individuals in the pursuit of such benefits. Many of these individuals have also suffered work injuries, car accidents or construction accidents. Many clients have been successful obtaining social security disability benefits while also receiving workers’ compensation payments – and when this happens a coordination of benefits takes place until such time as the compensation case is resolved.
