What Do Social Security Disability Attorneys Do?

Generally, if a person has a physical or psychological (mental) disability that causes him/her to be unable to do any kind of work for which he/she is suited (given the person's age, education, and work experience) and the disability is expected either to last for at least one year or to result in death, then that person will be considered disabled for Social Security purposes.

Social Security administers four separate benefit programs for individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income, Disabled Widows and Widowers benefits (DWB), and Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC). The medical requirements to prove disability, as well as the process for making disability determinations, are the same for each program.

Many people confuse the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The differences between them are as follows:

• SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured" (you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, which fund this program). A person who is eligible to receive SSDI will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after receiving 24 months of benefits.
  
  
• SSI pays you benefits based on financial need, whether or not you have ever worked. SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). A person who is eligible to receive SSI automatically qualified for Medicare (without a waiting period).

Should I hire a Social Security Disability Attorney?

If you are denied on your Initial Claim, a qualified social security disability attorney can provide representation and help you with your claim for continuing and past due benefits (back pay). 

Initial claims are typically denied 60 to 70 percent of the time, depending on the state in which you filed, so chances are you'll end up in a hearing.  For further information, contact a Lead Counsel social security disability attorney in your area today.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When did Social Security start?
  President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935. Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lump-sum payments were made that … more
• What is the origin of the term Social Security?
  Abraham Epstein in connection with his group, the American Association, first used the term in the U.S. for Social Security. Originally, the Social Security Act of 1935 was named the Economic … more
• What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI?
  Social Security disability insurance is a program that workers, employers and the self-employed pay for with their Social Security taxes. You qualify for these benefits based on your work history, … more
• What are the disability requirements for an adult?
  The definition of disability in the Social Security law is a strict one. To be eligible for benefits, a person must be unable to do any kind of substantial gainful work because of a physical or … more
• I receive Social Security disability benefits. Will my Social Security benefits change when I turn age 65?
  When you turn age 65, nothing will change, except for Social Security purposes, your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits. more

Free Legal Forms

• Disability Report Form - Adult (Ssa-3368)
• Authorization To Release Information (Ssa-827) - Ca, Ia, Mi, Il, Wi, Oh, Ok Or Tx Residents Do Not This Form
• Ssa-16 Application For Disability Insurance Benefits
• Ssa-25 Certificate Of Election For Reduced Spouse's Benefits