For decades, the United States Social Security Administration has been helping disabled Americans through two programs designed to provide financial relief for those who are unable to work. The Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, program takes a portion of payroll taxes for the program, allowing for those who paid into the program to obtain monthly payments if they qualify. The Supplemental Security Income, or SSI program is for lower income-earning Americans who have not paid into the SDDI program.
In order to qualify for either program, one must prove that they have a debilitating condition that is preventing them from maintaining gainful employment. They must also prove that the condition is expected to last at least a year or ultimately end in death.
Although the administration provides a list of qualifying conditions, any injury such as a serious back, neck or head injury, illness such as cancer or heart disease or mental condition like depression or schizophrenia may qualify. You may need to provide proof and documentation from your doctors and medical professionals to prove the severity of your condition.
It has been well documented that the Social Security Administration rejects as many as two thirds of all claims. Even if you have a qualifying condition and meet all the necessary requirements, if your paperwork is not properly filled out or if you neglect to include all the required information, your claim may be denied. We understand how difficult it may be to properly fill out the forms, especially when you are already dealing with a debilitating condition. It might be in your best interests if you find yourself in that situation, to reach out to a local law firm familiar with SSD benefits for assistance in making your claim as strong as possible to maximize your chance of getting approved.