SSI/Disability

Do You Qualify for Disability? 

This is the first question every potential client asks us and that question can have more than one answer. It is one of the many reasons’ clients become frustrated by the Disability benefits program. First, if you think you’d like to apply for disability benefits, you’ll need to determine if you’d qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both.

For more information on qualifying for SSDI or SSI, and how the SSA defines disability, you can fill out our free disability evaluation above to be connected with an attorney at our office.

How to Apply for Social Security Benefits 

The easiest way to apply for disability is online, but you can also make an appointment at your local SSA office to apply in person, or you can call the SSA to apply over the phone if you’re unable to get to an office.

Keep in mind that millions of people apply for disability benefits every year, so odds are greater that you’ll be denied than approved. That is how we can help. We have help you turn your denial into an approval.

Because of the high denial rates, you should learn as much as you can about disability benefits and the application process. A Social Security disability attorney with Thompson Law Firm can help familiarize you with the process.

To get assistance understanding the process, you should fill out our free evaluation to get connected with an attorney in our office who can help.

Where Are Social Security Offices Located?

There are over 1,300 SSA offices scattered throughout the country, so you should be able to apply in person at a location near you. Every state has at least four offices where you can apply.

If you would like assistance scheduling an appointment at your closest SSA office, you can fill out our free evaluation to get connected with a disability attorney in either our Arizona or Pennsylvania offices.

Were You Denied Social Security Benefits?

Denials are unfortunately very common, but not all hope is lost if your claim is indeed denied. The SSA has a thorough appeals process, from simply requesting your claim is reviewed online, to fighting your claim in federal court.

A denial can still be difficult to overcome, so for your best chance of approval, please complete a free evaluation to have a non-obligational and free consultation with a disability attorney in either our Arizona or Pennsylvania law office.

How long do I have to work to qualify for Disability? 

Social Security Programs

The Social Security Administration functions as the principal agency of the United States federal government that administers Social Security, or more specifically, the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. The OASDI pays retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits to qualifying individuals.

These programs are funded through payroll taxes known as the Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax (FICA). In terms of the total amount of benefits paid, the U.S. Social Security program represents the greatest expenditure in the federal budget and the largest world government program. It is estimated that the Social Security program prevents 40% of Americans age 65 or older from falling below the poverty line.

The two programs offered by the Social Security Administration to assist disabled people are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

About Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance, also known as SSDI or SSD, provides income to individuals no longer able to work because of a physically or psychologically restrictive disability. SSDI is funded by payroll taxes and does not depend on the recipient’s income level, as it is based solely on work history and the degree of disability.

To qualify for SSDI, it is usually required that the applicant has worked five of the past ten years in a job (or multiple jobs) where Social Security taxes were withheld. If an individual receives SSDI benefits upon reaching full retirement age, the SSDI payments automatically convert to retirement benefits. SSDI Qualification Criteria

About Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, offers monetary assistance to low-income individuals who are at least age 65, blind, and/or disabled. SSI pays cash benefits to supplement the cost of food, clothing, and shelter.

Unlike SSDI, the SSI program is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. Thus, an individual may still qualify for SSI benefits even if the work history required for SSDI is lacking. It thereby serves as a viable option for low-income applicants without a solidified employment history. SSI Qualification Criteria

Hiring Representation 

Whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, the application process can prove long and complex. In fact, most initial applications for disability benefits are denied. For this reason, you should consider hiring an experienced Social Security attorney or disability advocate to assist with your claim. Our disability lawyers do not charge a fee unless a case is resolved successfully. Further, they ensure that all documentation is completed correctly, that the appropriate medical records are included in your file, and that you are properly represented in the event your case reaches the hearing stage.

Disabling Conditions 

Disabling Conditions Eligible for Social Security Disability

Contained on this page is a listing of disabling conditions that can be considered severe enough by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits. These conditions can interfere with an individual’s ability to achieve gainful employment, thereby making that person eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.

Many of these conditions are described in the impairment listing manual, or “Blue Book,” used by state-run Disability Determination Services (DDS) to determine whether or not a person meets the SSA’s criteria for total disability. Claimants who meet the eligibility criteria for a condition listed in the Blue Book should be awarded benefits through the Social Security Disability application process.

In addition to the Blue Book conditions listed below, individuals may qualify for disability benefits under one of the SSA’s 200+ Compassionate Allowance listings. Through the Compassionate Allowance initiative, claimants suffering from extremely severe medical conditions may qualify for expedited consideration of their Social Security Disability claim, thereby drastically reducing the waiting period before approval.

If you believe that you are disabled and would like to know more about applying for Social Security Disability with any of the following conditions, you can complete a free evaluation form to find out if you qualify.

Cardiovascular System 

Conditions of the heart, such as High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure and Blood Clots

Digestive System 

Digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s Disease, and Hepatitis.

Endocrine System 

Conditions of the glands that secrete hormones, such as Thyroid Disorders and Obesity

Genitourinary Impairments 

Impairments concerning the reproductive organs and urinary system, including ones requiring Dialysis such as Renal Disease.

Hematological Disorders 

Blood disorders, such as Chronic Anemia and Sickle Cell Disease

Immune System Disorders 

Conditions of the immune system, including HIV and Lupus

Malignant Neoplastic Diseases 

This concerns various forms of Cancer, including Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer

Mental Disorders 

Mental illnesses, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Schizophrenia

Multiple Body System Impairments 

Conditions that affect multiple body systems, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Musculoskeletal System 

Conditions that affect the muscular and skeletal systems, including Herniated Discs and Degenerative Disc Disease

Neurological Problems 

Disorders of the body’s nervous system, including Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy

Respiratory System 

Concerning the lungs and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, such as Asthma and Lung Infections

Skin Disorders 

Problems of the skin, including Cellulitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Special Senses and Speech 

Impairments concerning sight and hearing, such as Hearing Loss and Vision Loss

Working With an Attorney 

It’s always a good idea to speak with an attorney when applying for a claim, regardless of your diagnosis. Qualifying for Social Security is determined by your medical eligibility and how severely your condition affects your ability to work. The attorneys at Thompson Law Firm can help explain the process and represent your case in court if need be. We look forward to helping you. Contact us today.