Applying for Social Security Benefits

Personalized Guidance to Apply for Social Security Benefits

Before discussing the application process for Social Security benefits, it is essential to understand the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI is an insurance program for individuals with disabilities. Workers pay SSDI premiums every time they get a paycheck, and money has been withheld for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. Your monthly SSDI benefit is based on how much you have paid in FICA taxes over the years.

SSI is a needs-based federal income supplement program designed to assist seniors (65 and older) and disabled individuals of any age. To qualify for SSI benefits, you must have little or no income and less than $2,000 in assets if you are single and less than $3,000 if you are married (not counting the value of your home if you live in it or the value of your car).

How Do I Know If I Qualify?

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI benefits, you must be "disabled," according to the definition as set forth by the Social Security Rules and Regulations. "Disability" is defined as a medical condition that prevents someone from working and meeting substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels for a minimum of 12 months or ends in death. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not pay short-term or partial disability benefits. The basic information you will need to provide includes:

• All prescriptions that you take
• Comprehensive medical records from all doctors, therapists, hospitals, etc.
• Laboratory and test results
• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did

It is vital to apply for benefits as early as possible. The Social Security Administration will only pay disability benefits dating back one year from the date of application. Failure to file your SSDI or SSI claim early could deprive you of receiving benefits you might otherwise have qualified for if you filed promptly. 

Processing an initial claim can take up to six months. If you need to appeal a denied claim — and a majority of applicants do — the process can take a year or even two years.

Appealing A Denied Claim

A Knowledgeable Disability Benefits Lawyer In Your Corner

If you are applying for SSDI/SSI benefits, or if your initial application has been denied, I can help. Call the Law Office of Paul Tendler or use my online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. I will review the facts of your case, provide a candid assessment and recommend the best steps to take next. I work with clients throughout south New Jersey from my office in Somers Point.