Applying for Social Security Disability: SSDI Benefits Help
Social Security disability benefits are the right of every American qualified to apply. Unfortunately, too many disabled people have to fight tooth and nail to get what is theirs from the beginning. We at Marken Law Group, PS, help make sure that the lack of government assistance in applying for SSDI benefits doesn’t cost you approval.
The information below can help you with a successful application and our SSDI lawyers have helped countless people navigate the process, and are there to help you file with zero excuses from the government for a rejection.
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Social Security Disability Benefits vs. SSI
SSI, or Social Security Insurance, and SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, can sometimes get confused with how similar the acronyms are and that they’re both overseen by the same government agency: The Social Security Administration. While both are programs designed to help people financially, they have significantly different eligibility requirements and purposes.
Social Security Insurance is a “means-based” program, based on an applicant’s financial need and age rather than their work history while Social Security Disability Benefits are funded through “work’s contributions” by way of payroll taxes. One program is offered to anyone over a certain age and the other is available to those who’ve paid into it and are unable to work due to injury or illness.
Disability Benefits, essentially, are paid based on the disabled worker’s past earnings and only given if unable to work. To be clear, both programs can be applied for if all the requirements are met and are not mutually exclusive; though, the income derived can have an impact.
Social Security Insurance is a “means-based” program, based on an applicant’s financial need and age rather than their work history while Social Security Disability Benefits are funded through “work’s contributions” by way of payroll taxes. One program is offered to anyone over a certain age and the other is available to those who’ve paid into it and are unable to work due to injury or illness.
Disability Benefits, essentially, are paid based on the disabled worker’s past earnings and only given if unable to work. To be clear, both programs can be applied for if all the requirements are met and are not mutually exclusive; though, the income derived can have an impact.
Types of Social Security Disability
There are three major types of disability benefits available, each with its own requirements:
SSDI
These are the benefits paid directly to the people who've worked long enough to earn sufficient credits under the Social Security system.
Disabled Widow, Widower, or Surviving Divorced Spouse
These benefits are paid to those who meet certain age and other requirements, such as the spouse of the deceased who had fulfilled eligibility requirements.
Childhood Disability
These are the benefits paid to those at least 18 years old and who became disabled before 22 years of age. The payment is based on the earning records of a qualified parent who themselves are retired, disabled, or deceased.
SSDI Benefits Application Steps
- 1
Determine Eligibility
- Work Credits: You must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security.
- Medical Condition: You must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability.
- 2
Gather Required Information and Documents
- Personal details (Social Security number, birth certificate).
- Contact information for doctors, hospitals, and clinics involved in your treatment.
- Details of medications you are taking.
- Medical records and test results.
- A detailed work history, including job descriptions and dates of employment.
- Recent W-2 forms or federal tax returns.
- 3
Complete the Application
You can apply for SSDI benefits through the following methods
- 4
Fill Out Additional Forms
- Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368): Details about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.
- Work History Report (Form SSA-3369): Detailed information about your work history.
- Function Report (Form SSA-3373): Information about how your condition affects your daily activities.
- 5
Wait for the Decision
- Request additional information.
- Schedule a consultative examination (CE) with an independent doctor.
- 6
Receive the Decision
You will receive a letter with the SSA’s decision. If approved, the letter will detail your benefits and payment information. If denied, the letter will explain why and how to appeal.
How Marken Law Can Help
Marken Law Group, PS, has provided Spokane Social Security disability assistance to hundreds of people from their initial filing until they receive benefits. In that time, we have helped countless people receive their Social Security disability benefits.
If you need assistance, all it takes is a phone call with our office and we will get your claim started today! Best of all, there is no fee unless you get benefits! Let us help you with the application process so you have the best chance of success in the initial review of your claim!
We can help! Get in touch with us today.
We at Marken Law Group are happy to answer your questions. To contact us, call the office or send us an email. Evan Marken, SSI and Personal Injury attorney in Spokane will personally respond to your inquiry within 24 hours. That is a guarantee.
Consultations are available throughout the week, and after-hours appointments are also available.
Office Hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Consultations are available throughout the week, and after-hours appointments are also available.
Office Hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Marken Law Group
905 W Riverside Ave #603
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509.879.4626
Fax: 509.355.3238