Whether you are considering applying or have already applied and have been denied for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), The Friedman Law Firm can help.
We will discuss what benefits you may qualify for based on your condition, age and work history and obtain documentation that will help us get you those benefits.
To be eligible for SSD you must meet a work history requirement as the program is funded by taxes from your past wages. Basically, by applying for SSD you are asking the government to pay you what you would receive at retirement, but early due to your condition.
If you do not have a substantial work history, you could be eligible for SSI, which does not have the earnings requirement of SSD.
Apart from the earnings requirement, SSD and SSI require the same finding of a severe medical condition that keeps you from being able to have a sustainable, gainful job.
The government has a listing of impairments which outline qualifications for being found disabled based on specific conditions. If you meet the criteria for these impairments, your work history is not taken into consideration and you are determined to be disabled. If you do not meet all of the criteria, you can still be found disabled if you can prove you cannot perform your past jobs or any other jobs in the national economy.
Contact us at our Cleveland or Ashtabula offices to discuss your claim and how we may help you with your SSD or SSI application. If you are unable to come to our offices, we can come to you.