If you are disabled and in need of Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to understand that there are two possible options for you to claim benefits. The right program for you will depend upon which type of benefits you are eligible for based on your work history, household income, and financial resources.
A Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney can provide advice on which benefits program you should be eligible for and can help you to submit an application to maximize your chance of being approved for Social Security Disability benefits. To find out more, you should contact an attorney today.
Two Social Security Disability Benefits Programs
The two primary disability benefits programs offered through the Social Security Administration include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance: SSDI eligibility is earned through working and paying taxes. You will be eligible only if you earn a sufficient number of work credits. The required number of work credits is determined based on your age at the time you become disabled. SSDI benefits are calculated based on your earnings history and are often higher than Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSDI is also not a means-tested program, so if you have a disability that prevents you from working, you should be eligible even if your household has valuable financial assets or if other members of your household are working and earning income.
- Supplemental Security Income: SSI is for lower-income or older disabled people. Your work history does not matter when determining SSI eligibility but you can be disqualified from coverage if you have too many financial resources or if your household income is too high.
Determining which benefits program you are eligible for is just the first step in your journey to claim disability benefits. You should contact a Social Security disability lawyer to find out more about how to go through the process of making a disability claim with the Social Security Administration.