Boardman
Social Security Disability Lawyer

On This Page

1. What Are the Types of Social Security Disability Benefits?
2. Disability Benefits Have Strictly Enforced Eligibility Requirements
3. Medical Professionals Play an Important Role in Your Boardman Case
4. Claim Denials Are Common
5. Connect with Our Lawyers for Help with Your Mahoning County Claim

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

October 10, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

A disabling illness or injury can upend your life when you least expect it. If you can’t work or meet your own daily needs, you could require financial support to ensure you are cared for. Benefits through Social Security could be the answer. 

The benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, could replace your income and provide you with the support you need. The same is true for an additional program known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, not everyone qualifies for these benefits. A Boardman Social Security Disability lawyer from Berger and Green could help you determine whether you’re eligible for benefits and pursue what you deserve.

What Are the Types of Social Security Disability Benefits?

There are two separate and unique disability programs operated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Each benefit program is designed to help individuals who are disabled and unable to work. Ineligibility for one type of disability benefit does not mean you will not qualify for the other. These programs are referred to as SSDI and SSI. 

SSDI benefits are designed to cover disabled individuals who have an extensive work history. During your career, you will contribute to the payroll taxes covering the cost of SSDI benefits. In addition to the workers themselves, some individuals qualify for benefits based on the employment history of their family members. 

SSI benefits are not tied to employment. Instead, these benefits are limited to those disabled individuals with limited financial resources. SSI benefits are means tested, and they are only available to individuals whose combined assets fall under the limit.  

Disability Benefits Have Strictly Enforced Eligibility Requirements

The qualifications for both SSDI and SSI are strictly enforced. There are some similarities in the qualifications for each program, like the existence of a condition that is disabling. However, each program has its own requirements that must be met to qualify for SSI or SSDI. 

To qualify for either SSI or SSDI, you must have a diagnosis of a qualifying disability. This could be an injury or an illness, so long as it is recognized by the Social Security Administration. 

Your medical records will help establish you have this condition through evidence like medical imaging, records of surgical procedures, medical findings, and laboratory test results. In addition to having a qualifying disability, each program has its own unique requirements. 

Qualifying for SSDI

Although the name of the program includes the word “insurance,” it is not possible to simply purchase a policy. Because of the source of these benefits, applicants only qualify if they have a sufficient work history. 

The extent of your work history is measured by work credits. Typically, you can earn four work credits in a year if you work full time. To qualify for full benefits, you should have a minimum of 20 work credits.

Qualifying for SSI

SSI benefits come from the general tax funds of the United States. While there are no work-related limitations on eligibility for SSI, there are strict income limitations. If your assets are over a certain level, you are not eligible for SSI benefits. 

It is important to understand that eligibility is not based on your income alone. In addition to your pay, the Social Security Administration also considers the value of other assets like real property or investments. It is not always easy to identify what should be exempt in these calculations. 

Our firm could help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve by avoiding any improper classifications of assets. 

Medical Professionals Play an Important Role in Your Boardman Case

In many cases, applicants for disability benefits must take several steps to demonstrate they have a condition that qualifies under Social Security Administration rules. While there is no rule requiring you to see a doctor for disability benefits, the failure to do so could put your claim at risk. 

It is also difficult to secure benefits without the assistance of a medical professional. The Social Security Administration typically requests information about your treatment, including the date of your diagnosis and the name of your doctor. 

If you do not have this information, it could make it harder to secure benefits. Without the documentary evidence that comes with medical records, it could be impossible to establish you are entitled to benefits.

Claim Denials Are Common

For many people, securing benefits from the Social Security Administration could be a life-changing event. This financial support could allow you to support yourself while living with your disability. As important as these benefits are, the process for obtaining them is rarely simple. Many claims result in denial.

If your claim was denied, your Boardman Social Security Disability lawyer can help file an appeal. The appeals process will begin with the reconsideration stage, and if this doesn’t bring you your benefits, the next step is a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The ALJ played no part in the original decision or reconsideration stage.

If the ALJ decides against awarding you benefits, you still have options. We can move to the Appeals Council, and they will either deny your request, hand the claim back to the ALJ, or make a decision regarding your benefits. If your claim is once again rejected, the final option is filing a lawsuit in federal court. Berger and Green will do everything they can for the best possible outcome for you.

Connect with Our Lawyers for Help with Your Mahoning County Claim

The attorneys of Berger and Green understand how important your disability claim is. Our team is ready to help you pursue the benefits you need to move forward with your life in Ohio. Let our Boardman Social Security Disability lawyer fight for you. Call for a free consultation today to discuss your claim.