Many people who are disabled and cannot work are confused about the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The main difference is that to qualify for an SSDI claim, you must have worked and paid into the system for the length of time specified by law. However, the criteria used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine eligibility for SSDI and SSI is similar in other areas, including whether:
- Your disability or illness is severe
- You are able to perform the type of work you did in the past to earn a living. This is known as “past relevant work”
- You are able to perform other work that is widely available in the national economy, given your age, education and experience
Many people also wonder what type of debilitating injuries or illnesses the SSA commonly approves for claims. These include:
- Musculoskeletal conditions, such as herniated disks, lumbar/spinal stenosis and other severe back problems
- Specifically diagnosed cardiac (heart) conditions
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD
- Neurological conditions such as seizures or stroke
- Serious diseases including cancer and hepatitis-C
- Loss of speech, vision or hearing
At Hensley│Chalfant, we help people suffering from severe injuries or illnesses such as these (and many more) with all aspects of the Social Security disability claim process. When you first contact us, we will provide an accurate, honest assessment of your claim’s chances for success. If, based upon our extensive experience in this area of the law, we determine you appear to have a valid claim, we will effectively manage your claim from initial application all the way through the award of benefits. We have developed streamlined case management systems to ensure that your case is won at the earliest possible opportunity, with the maximum award of past due benefits. We will be in constant contact with your doctors to be sure we have the evidence necessary to win your case, and we will maintain close contact with SSA staff to ensure timely processing of your claim.
If you have been denied a claim in the past, we can help you with that as well. We have successfully appealed cases involving a wide range of injuries and illnesses. The key to success is often “packing your file” with information such as medical records, test results, questionnaires and/or opinions from qualified doctors that substantiate your illness and physical limitations. Our unique combination of medical knowledge and courtroom experience proves particularly valuable during the reconsideration phase or in an administrative hearing. You will also be pleased to know that when you contact us about your Social Security disability claim, you take no financial risk because we receive no fees unless your claim is approved.