Brian Clymer | Attorney at Law

520-323-1234

Brian Clymer | Attorney at Law

Call Us Now 520-323-1234

Compassionate Guidance For Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability

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Answers To Questions You May Have About Social Security Disability

At Brian Clymer, Attorney at Law, you can expect to find straightforward, personalized answers about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Below are common questions that we often hear.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI and SSI are two terms having to do with Social Security that look similar. Here are their meanings, along with a related acronym and its meaning:

  • SSDI: This acronym is short for Social Security Disability Insurance, which is also sometimes referred to as Social Security Disability (SSD).
  • SSI: This refers to Supplemental Security Income, namely, federal benefits for “aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income” – also sometimes referred to as welfare.
  • SSA: This stands for the Social Security Administration, an outdated name for the federal agency that is now called simply Social Security. This agency collects taxes from workers and pays benefits to eligible people with disabilities or other qualifying characteristics

How does someone qualify to receive SSD (also called SSDI) benefits?

For most people, the answer has two parts: work history and one or more qualifying disabilities.

  • A worker should have worked 10 years or longer, paying into the system through payroll or self-employment taxes, to qualify.
  • They should also have one or more medical conditions that meet Social Security’s definition of disabilities.

Qualified family members may also receive benefits based on a disabled worker’s employment history. Blind people may qualify without a work history.

If I succeed at qualifying for SSDI benefits and then want to work, can I do so and still receive benefits?

It may be possible. The ability to work depends on the specifics of your case, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer. Both disabled workers and SSDI recipients who are blind may be able to take advantage of SSDI’s incentives to work with certain income limits while receiving benefits for up to nine months or longer.

If a worker loses eligibility for benefits because of income and then is unable to continue working, they may apply within five years to be reinstated and resume receiving benefits. Medicare benefits may also continue.

For clarification about your situation, consult with an SSD attorney.

Reach Out To Get Answers To Your Unique Questions

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to ask us how much your monthly SSD payments might be, how to apply for benefits, what to do if your application is denied or what to do if your monthly payments cease.

Initial consultations are free so there is no need to wait to see a lawyer. Call 520-323-1234 or complete our online inquiry form.