Social Security Disability Benefits
You may be able to receive help if you have a disability that prevents you from working through the Social Security Administration by way of Social Security Disability. Different types of disability benefits are available, depending on your qualifications. The entire process may be very complex and time consuming. There are normally a multitude of questions that arise when seeking Social Security Disability benefits. Experienced Social Security Disability lawyers are extremely valuable to help you through all levels of the qualification process.
Disability Benefits
Disability income, retirement income, family and survivor benefits, as well as Medicare are provided to workers through the Social Security Administration. The funds for this program are provided through FICA taxes, paid through employers paycheck withholding and Federal Income Tax payments for the self-employed. Employers are required to match withheld amounts when they take out funds for other taxes. The Social Security Disability Act is the law that governs each individual’s eligibility.
Social Security Disability Programs
The rules for the five major types of Social Security Disability benefits need to be reviewed carefully to see if you qualify. There are important differences in the three Social Security Disability programs, as well as the two Social Security Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") programs. Disability Insurance Benefits are for persons who have worked in recent years, but are now disabled.
Personal Disability. A person must be legally "disabled" in accordance with the federal Social Security Disability Act to collect Social Security Disability benefits. Disability is defined 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 has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than 12 months as maintained by the Social Security Disability Act.
Disabled Widow's and Widower's benefits. If you have become disabled within a certain time after the death of you spouse and are at least 50 years old, you may be eligible for Disabled Widow's and Widower's benefits. Your spouse must have worked and paid into Social Security in order for you to gain coverage.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits. Children disabled prior to the age of 22, and have a parent who is deceased or is drawing Social Security disability or retirement, may be eligible for Disabled Adult Child Benefits. The child must have become disabled prior to the age of 22.
Supplemental Security Income benefits
Personal Benefits. If you are poor and disabled, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. It does not matter if the person has worked in the past or not for this type of benefit.
Supplemental Security Income Child's Disability. Disabled children under the age of 18 may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income Child's Disability benefits.
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