FAQ | Questions about Social Security Disability
Questions about Social Security Disability
Our Social Security disability lawyers are often asked various questions about the process for enrolling in Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and Social Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Including how to apply, what benefits someone may be entitled to receive, and how many times SSI can deny you benefits.
To address some of the most common social security disability questions, we have assembled a list of social security disability FAQs for clients and potential clients. Anyone who resides in Louisiana and has questions about social security disability, including how to apply, should contact Leavitt & Meunier Law LLC and schedule a free consultation.
What is SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?
When someone is over 65, whether they have worked or not, assuming they meet the general guidelines, they may be eligible to apply for cash benefits from the federal government. The person must be blind or disabled and have a low income and few resources. Again, this program is available to any legal resident of the United States regardless of their work history.
What are SSDI Benefits? (Social Security Disability)
Unlike SSI, those who apply for SSDI must have been covered by Social Security. This means they should have worked a specific amount of time and had enough Social Security taxes paid from their earnings. The applicant's disability must have started within a specified period of time after the applicant has stopped working. This is called the last insured date. The amount of benefits someone would be entitled to collect under SSDI would depend upon the applicant's earning history.
Where do I Apply for SSI or SSDI?
Applicants are free to begin the application process on the Social Security website. Most applicants will find working with a disability attorney easier than filing a claim independently. The requirements can be confusing in many cases, and a qualified attorney can help address social security disability questions in advance.
How Do I Start Filing for Social Security Disability Income?
To begin the process of filing for either SSI or SSDI, the first thing a potential applicant should do is collect the necessary medical documents which support their claim. This can help avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. Make sure that when contacting a physician for information, you advise them you intend to use the information to apply for SSI or SSDI. This will help them prepare the correct information.
Once this documentation has been secured, an applicant may contact their local office. The local office contact information can be found by inserting the applicant's zip code into the search feature found at the Social Security Office Locator. By starting the process online, an applicant may reduce the amount of time needed for an interview with the office. The process of applying for SSDI or SSI can be simplified if you work with a skilled lawyer. When someone has experience handling these claims, they can help an applicant avoid some of the common pitfalls which can often result in processing delays or rejection of an application.
What Types of Evidence Do I Need to Submit With a Disability Claim?
Before filing a Social Security disability claim, you should meet with an experienced Social Security lawyer. Some of the documentation which will be required include:
Medical Evidence
There must be medical evidence that someone has a disability. Social security requires applicants to have proof from an Acceptable Medical Source (AMS) as defined by their requirements.
Existence of an Impairment
The AMS must show that the impairment for which the applicant is seeking benefits exists. For example, someone who is blind must have documentary evidence from a licensed optometrist, while someone with a back injury should have evidence from a chiropractor or other licensed medical physician.
Severity of the Impairment
when the AMS is providing documentation for the purposes of seeking benefits, their narrative should include how severe the injury or impairment is as well as the length of time in which it is expected to have an impact on the applicant.