IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BASED ON NEED?

Social Security will pay you a disability benefit regardless of your need under the following conditions:

1.  You have worked enough at jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits;

2.  You meet the medical requirements for disability.

There is no limit to the claimant's financial resources for an SSDI claim.  A claimant may be rich or poor, but if the two requirements stated above are met, Social Security will pay the claim.

SSDI is also referred to as "Title 2" by Social Security.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

SSI is a very different program.  Although it is administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI is a needs based welfare program.  It requires no work history (no quarters of coverage) and it does restrict the claimant's income and financial resources.  Generally, an individual cannot have more than $2,000 in savings or cash to get SSI.  A couple cannot have more than $4,000.

SSI is also called "Title 16" by people who work in the Social Security office.

SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR SSDI OR SSI?

If you have worked enough (and recently enough) to be covered, you should always apply for SSDI or Title 2 benefits.  The potential monthly benefit is much higher than it would be for SSI.  The maximum SSDI benefit is over $2,600 per month, while the maximum SSI benefit is currently $759.

However, if you don't have the required number of work credits to apply for SSDI, then an SSI claim may be all you have available.  Many people who are disabled still can't get SSI because they have too much savings or other assets.  They meet the medical guidelines but not the financial guidelines for SSI.


____________
THE FORSYTHE FIRM
Social Security Disability Specialists
7027 Old Madison Pike - Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
Serving the entire state of Alabama
PH (256) 799-0297

NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.  THE FORSYTHE FIRM WORKS FOR OUR CLIENTS, NOT FOR THE GOVERNMENT.  FREE CONSULTATIONS.  NO UPFRONT FEES AND YOU ARE NEVER CHARGED FOR OUR SERVICES UNTIL YOUR CLAIM HAS BEEN APPROVED AND PAID.  YOU ALWAYS KEEP 100 PERCENT OF YOUR MONTHLY DISABILITY BENEFIT.






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