Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Social Security Disability Information Your source for Social Security Disability Benefits information      All to often, The Social Security Administration (SSA) wrongfully denies Social Security Disability Benefits to truly disabled claimants. Congress has defined "disabled" as: The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of no less than twelve months.     For a claimant to be determined "disabled" under disability he or she must have physical or mental impairments to the extent that the severity is to such a great degree that he or she is unable to return to their previous employer due to the fact that they can not perform their pre-injury work place tasks.  Generally, the claimant must also have one of the listed Social Security physical or mental impairments.      We are The Social Security Law Group and we have designed this web site to offer you useful Social Security resources and assistance in obtaining SSDI benefits.  We are a private law firm (not affiliated with SSA nor any other Federal or State Agency) practicing nationwide exclusively in the area of Social Security Disability Law.  We have dedicated our professional careers to ensuring that eligible disabled claimants who have been wrongfully denied Title II Social Secuirty Disability (SSDI) receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.   If you have questions regarding your claim or potential eligibility, please feel free to contact us using our free case evaluation form. Please remember, we are currently assisting only those claimaints who are eligible for Title II SSDI benefits.       Every inquiry we receive is carefully evaluated by one of our experienced SSDI attorneys. We will offer you a free, no obligation evaluation of your Social Security Claim and contact you directly to discuss any additional issues.  You can take advantage of this free service by clicking on the Free Case Evaluation button above. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching his or her retirement age.      The Social Security Law Group provides ethical, professional, legal advocacy and has extensive experience in Social Security Disability Law.  We provide quality legal administrative support to claimants who are disabled and are no longer able to work.  We guide and support them with attorney representation in their pursuit of Social Security benefits at all levels of the Social Security Administrative and Judicial process.  What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?      The difference is significant. Below is a brief description of each program and how it works. SSDI - This is known as Title II (2) Social Security Disability Benefits. This program is for people who have made sufficient FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) contributions in the last 5 years.  We have listed below the minimum amounts of earnings in 2003 to qualify for Title II Disability Benefits. Year  Amount Per Quarter   Amount Per Year 2003 $890.00   $3,480.00      For Example: if in 2003, you earned at least $890.00 of gross wages (wages which you or your employer reported and paid FICA taxes), you would have paid for 1 quarter of SSDI coverage. If you earn $3,480.00 in 2003 you are covered for the entire year (4 Quarters). Remember, you need to pay 20 of the last 40 quarters to be eligible for SSDI benefits. Below is the coverage amounts for years 2002 through 1994. Year Amount Per Quarter Amount Per Year 2002 $870.00 $3,480.00 2001 $830.00 $3,320.00 2000 $780.00 $3,120.00 1999 $740.00 $2,960.00 1998 $700.00 $2,800.00 1997 $670.00 $2,680.00 1996 $640.00 $2,560.00 1995 $630.00 $2,520.00 1994 $620.00 $2,480.00      If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you must file an application and be deemed medically disabled under SSA’s rules. Once you are approved, you need not worry about other sources of income such as rental income, stocks bonds, etc. Once you start to earn income from “work” or “Substantial Gainful Activity” as SSA deems it,  then these earnings are monitored for purposes of a trial work period. (see this section of our web site for details)      If you qualify for SSDI benefits, THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP® can assist you in your application or appeal.  SSI—This is known as Title XVI (16) Supplemental Security Income. This program is for people who either: Have not paid enough quarters (earnings) into Social Security for any reason. You must have paid into Social Security through wage and FICA contributions for 20 out of the last 40 quarters. b. If you are unsure, please read the instructions below as to how to confirm if you have paid enough into SSDI. Have limited resources and income      Although you must be disabled according to SSA’s definition, you must first meet SSA’s strict resource eligibility test prior to your medical condition being considered. If your resources exceed SSA’s limit, you cannot collect SSI irrespective of your medical disability.      Once you are approved, all your other sources of income will be monitored by SSA to ensure that you continually meet their strict resource requirements. THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP® is presently not assisting claimant’s in SSI claims.   What if I am not sure if I qualify for SSI or SSDI?      Some of the people who visit our site and contact us are unsure if they are Title II eligible.  You are encouraged to contact SSA to verify  your eligibility for Title II. To do so, please follow the instructions below: Call the SSA national Toll Free line at 800-772-1213 Follow the prompts to speak with a representative Tell the representative you want to file a Disability claim, and you need to know if you are Title 2 or Title 16 eligible. If they tell you that you are Title 2 eligible, please ask them: What is my DATE LAST INSURED? 6:21:54 PM    comment []