Social Security Disability Lawyers

SSDI vs. SSI

Social Security Disability is different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in a number of key ways. While both are federal programs meant to assist people who are unable to work, the qualification processes for each program are vastly different. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Income, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have earned the appropriate work credits. In other words, you must have worked for a certain period of time, during which time you made contributions to Social Security in the form of taxes.
• You must not be 65 years old or older.
• You must have an illness/injury/condition that qualifies as a “disability” according to the Social Security Administrationor an illness/injury/condition that is equivalent to one of the listed disabilities.

Additionally, there is a five-month waiting period before you can start receiving SSDI benefits. Various factors are involved in determining how much you may be able to receive in compensation, as well as the duration of your SSDI payments. In contrast, you do not need to have earned any work credits in order to be eligible for SSI. This program is designed to assist those who have a disability, whether physical or cognitive, that has prevented them fromever obtaining gainful employment. To qualify, you will need to fall below certain income thresholds.

Contact Ashcraft & Gerel for a Free Consultation

Our Social Security Disability lawyers have decades of experience representing injured and disabled workers throughout Maryland and Virginia. In addition to helping clients with SSDI claims, we assist injured workers in all types of workers’ compensation matters. If your disabling injury occurred at work or while you were carrying out duties covered in the scope of your employment, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

 

Ashcraft & Gerel can meet you at home, in the hospital, or at one of our office locations.