What are Social Security Disability Benefits?

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Social Security is the program that provides disability, retirement, family assistance, survivor benefits, and Medicare benefits at the federal level. Social Security is funded by taxes that are withheld from work earnings. There are usually matched funds from employers and taxes from those who are self-employed. It is the Social Security Administration that administers any benefits that someone has been awarded. Benefits are governed by the Social Security Act.

If you are disabled and unable to work, Social Security Benefits may apply to your situation. Monthly benefits are given after people meet a very strict set of criteria. These are based on both disability and work history. Due to the complexity of the process, an attorney can be of great help during the application and appeals process.

Disability Defined by the Social Security Act

People must be disabled as defined by the Social Security Act in order to qualify for benefits. Under the Social Security Act, a person must:

• A condition must be present that is believed to last a year, is going to result in death, or has lasted a year.
• The person is not able to work because of their condition.
• The person must be unable to maintain the same form of work performed previously, or any type of substantial employment.

Types of Disability

Under the Social Security Act, there are five types of defined benefits. Each individual type of benefit has its own qualifying rules. These can be complicated. Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance will provide benefits. SSDI is based upon work history, while (SSI) is based on the person’s income and overall need. It is often given in cases of old age and blindness.

Social Security Disability Insurance
These benefits are given to people who have worked the required minimum and above. This minimum requires that a person have a certain number of credits within the Social Security system.

Disabled Widows, Widowers or Surviving Divorced Spouses Benefits
These are paid when people meet age requirements and other criteria. In order to receive coverage as a spouse, your spouse must have been insured under a place of employment in order to obtain those benefits.

Childhood Disability
If a person is 18 years of age and no older than 22 when disabled, benefits are paid. The payment will be based on the income of a disabled, deceased or retired parent.

Supplemental Security Income
This form of benefits is paid to those who are considered low-income, elderly, blind and have limited resources. Click here to learn more about Supplemental Security Income.

Child’s Disability and SSI
These benefits are paid to children who are no older than 18. The child must be disabled, blind and have family members that meet the overall criteria when it comes in resources and income.

When you have basic knowledge of benefits available, it will help you decide if disability is right for you. An attorney can go through all of your options and help you make the best decision possible.

We have offices located in Raleigh, Charlotte, Kinston, New Bern, Jacksonville, and Winston-Salem to better serve our loyal clients with their Social Security Disability claims. For professional guidance with your case, please contact a Raleigh Social Security Disability Attorney from our office today.