What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Although the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits is similar, there are differences between the two programs. You may be eligible for one or both. If you are having trouble establishing Social Security disability eligibility under either program, contact Allen & Associates to speak with a lawyer about your situation.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program intended to compensate workers who, because of a long-term disability, are no longer able to work. To qualify for the program, you need to have a history of at least of five years of employment, during which payroll taxes were paid on your behalf. A wide range of causes, including long-term illnesses such as recovery from cancer treatments, mental illnesses such as anxiety, and permanently disabling injuries such as a back injury, may quality for benefits. The amount collected under Social Security Disability Insurance depends to some degree on the amount the worker earned before becoming disabled.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are designed to help low-income families and individuals. SSI is a federal program for those who were without employment for five years. Since it is income based, even if you or your child are able to work, you may be eligible.

How can a Social Security Disability lawyer help?

SSDI/SSI lawyers at our firm carefully evaluate medical records, work records, and descriptions of the applicant’s employment skills. In many situations, it is necessary to more clearly describe the extent of the disability or the limitations on employment caused by the disability in order to obtain benefits. At Allen & Associates our attorneys are able to help many clients who were denied benefits during the application process. Contact our office to make arrangements for a consultation with an attorney.

Am I eligible for SSDI/SSI if I have private disability insurance?

Generally the answer is yes. Some disability insurance policies, however, limit the amount paid if there is payment of Social Security benefits. We need to look at your long-term disability insurance policy to see how Social Security disability benefits will affect your private or employer-sponsored disability benefits. We sometimes find that a client is eligible for benefits from more than one source, including a personal injury claim.

At David Allen & Associates our SSDI/SSI benefits lawyers are committed to helping people get the benefits they need to take care of themselves and their families. We help clients from communities throughout the West, including Los Angeles, California; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Boise, Idaho; and Phoenix, Arizona, from our offices in Sacramento, Reno, and Stockton. We offer free consultations and charge attorney fees only if we help you collect. We can help you and provide representation through e-mail, mail, the telephone, or in some cases, by visiting you at another location. You are always welcome at our office.