Learn the Advantages of SSD versus SSI
Experienced Disability Attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama
The Social Security Administration offers disabled people two types of income assistance programs:
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Each of these programs has specific eligibility requirements. In Birmingham, Alabama, at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski, our experienced disability attorneys will answer your questions about disability benefits and can help you understand the differences between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income.
Our firm will assist you in filing for benefits and, if your initial claim has not been approved, in appealing your denied claim. Contact us to speak with an attorney about your disability and how it is limiting your ability to work.
SSD and SSI Benefits: The Right Program for Your Claim
In order to make a decision about which disability program is correct for your specific situation, it is important to understand the differences between them:
Social Security Disability (SSD):
Social Security disability is a benefit program set up for people who are unable to work due to their physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. In order to qualify for SSD benefits, a claimant must have worked a certain number of years within a given period and must not be able to work at any job for a certain period due to their disability.
Benefits are paid out to these individuals based on the amount of Social Security taxes that they have paid over their working lives. A mathematical formula is used by the Social Security Administration to find the benefit amount that a disabled worker will receive that is based on average lifetime earnings and total number of years worked. Under SSD, claimants may also qualify for Medicare coverage.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Supplemental Security Income is a benefit program that is set up for aged, blind or disabled people who are unable to work at any job due to their disabilities and whose income and assets fall within certain prescribed limits. People under the age of 18 may also qualify for SSI benefits.
SSI benefit amounts are determined based upon living arrangements, income received and assets that are owned by the disabled individuals. Under SSI, a claimant does not need to qualify under the "recent work" and "duration of work" tests, like he or she must do for SSD benefits. Additionally, under SSI, claimants will qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Contact Us for a Free Initial Consultation and
Learn More About SSD and SSI Benefits
Whether you qualify for SSD or SSI benefits, the experienced lawyers at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski can answer your questions and can guide you through the application process. Contact us in Birmingham, Alabama, by calling us at 205-588-4057 or toll free at 888-880-9046. Schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation and speak with an attorney for free. Help is only a phone call away.
