The Social Security Administration provides certain disability benefits to people who are seriously disabled and their families. There are two main disability benefit programs that provide assistance to people who cannot work, Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security Disability, or SSD, benefits are based on your prior work history. The Social Security Administration determines if the injured worker has earned enough "work credits" to qualify for benefits. Generally, if you have worked for 5 of the last 10 years, you probably qualify for SSD benefits. The spouse and dependent children of the injured worker may also qualify for SSD benefits if the injured worker dies after accumulating enough work credits to qualify for the benefits.
The Social Security Administration uses the following factors to determine eligibility for SSD benefits:
Number of work credits earned
Whether the impairment or disability will last over 12 months or will likely result in death
Nature and extend of the impairment or disability
Ability to engage in substantial gainful activity following the impairment
Date the impairment began
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, benefits are provided to low-income children and adults. The total income of the household and whether the household is receiving other benefits are considered when the SSA determines eligibility for SSI.
The Social Security Administration uses the following factors to determine eligibility for SSI benefits:
Whether or not the household meets the SSI income limits
Whether the impairment or disability will last over 12 months or will likely result in death
Nature and extend of the impairment or disability
Ability to engage in substantial gainful activity following the impairment
Date the impairment began
The application process for both SSD and SSI benefits is very complex. Many people's claims for these benefits are denied even though they meet the qualifications to receive disability benefits. Unfortunately, most people give up at this point and do not pursue their legal rights. They do not realize that the Michigan Social Security benefits lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire can handle their appeal and get them the benefits they deserve.
