Understanding Disability
If you face loss of a reasonable income due to long-term or permanent illness or disability, it is important to know about the national resources available that can help you support yourself and your family. In Nashville, disability laws regulated by the federal government provide two possible options:
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability (SSD)
Social Security law allows individuals with a prior history of work and Social Security contributions to apply for disability benefits. The application process is complicated, and even one item in the application can result in a denied claim. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that, with claims at an all-time high, denials occur at an approximate rate of 60 percent. Denied claims can be appealed through an Appeals Council review, but denials of appeals are occurring at a rate of about 80 percent.
Chances for acceptance of your claim can be increased by retaining a Social Security Disability attorney with experience in the Social Security laws governing disability in Murfreesboro and throughout the country. Your attorney understands the details behind how to handle the initial claim or an appeal. And, even if an appeal has been denied, a skilled attorney can take your case all the way to federal court.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Although Supplemental Security Income claims are administered through the SSA, these claims are paid from federal income tax revenues. The requirements for SSI applicants differ significantly from the requirements for collecting SSD.
One major difference is that since SSI benefits are not paid from Social Security funds, applicants are not required to have paid into Social Security as part of a reasonable work history prior to disability. Since the intent of SSI is to help aged, blind, and disabled people by providing the cash needed for basics such as food, shelter, and clothing, it does carry stringent requirements pertaining to the income and assets of applicants.
Attorneys make a difference in your claim
Whether you apply for SSD or SSI, retaining an experienced Murfreesboro Social Security income lawyer can make a significant difference in your claim. The attorneys at Craft & Sheppard, PLC can ensure you include all needed details in your initial claim and pursue your claim throughout the complex appeals process, when needed. Contact us today.
