Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability:  Two Frequently Asked Questions

Social Security disability benefits can play an important role in your life. However, you may be confused about what it takes to get these benefits. If so, you are not the only one. Many individuals find the disability benefits application and appeals process to be difficult to understand.

Fortunately, you can contact Disability Help Group Arizona. We can answer all questions you may have about your disability claim. Our disability lawyers can go to work promptly on pursuing the benefits you deserve.

To help you start, we present the following answers to the most common questions that our lawyers receive about disability benefits in Arizona.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI benefits?

The key difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits concerns work requirements. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/

SSDI benefits are depended on your work history. You must have earned a sufficient amount of  “work credits.” These credits show that you have worked enough time and recently enough to be eligible for this type of benefit.

SSI benefits are not depended on your work history. Instead, they are built upon financial need. Generally speaking, to receive SSI benefits, you must have lower than $2,000 in assets and resources ($3,000 if married).

People who fail to qualify for SSDI benefits because they lack required work credits may be eligible for SSI benefits. An experienced disability benefits lawyer can review your circumstances and determine which option(s) you should pursue.

What happens during a disability benefits hearing?

Whether your hearing is conducted personally or by video, you should expect it to primarily function as an information-gathering process for the administrative law judge (ALJ) who will decide your claim. Because of this, you should consult with a lawyer who recognizes  the different forms of information that ALJs in Arizona desire to review.

During the hearing, the judge will learn through witnesses like a medical expert and/or vocational expert. You (or your attorney) can cross-examine these witnesses and present your own witnesses. You can also testify by yourself behalf.

Although the judge may announce a decision by the end of the hearing, you should expect a few more weeks or months to pass until you receive the official notice in the mail.

Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our social security lawyers