First Time Social Security Applicants: What to Expect

There are two types of Social Security Benefits. The first is Social Security Disability (SSDI) and the other is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). First time social security applicants need to define which benefit they are applying for.

First Time SSDI Applicants

SSDI are benefits paid to eligible candidates who have worked enough hours for credits, which are earned when Social Security taxes are deducted from their paychecks. Benefits are paid to individuals because they cannot work or they have a medical condition that is expected to last for at least a year or a medical condition that may result in death. In order to receive SSDI an applicant must have been employed 5 out of the past 10 years.

First Time SSI Applicants

SSI is for anyone who is disabled and has limited means or resources. The purpose of SSI is to help anyone with little or no income and needs the basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. The SSI program is funded by general tax revenue and not Social Security taxes.

First Time Applicant Qualifications

To find out if you qualify for one or the other or both, your application has to first be evaluated. Ask yourself the following to determine if you might qualify for a disability claim:

Are you working?

If you are making more than $1,000 per month you are generally not considered disabled.

Is your condition considered severe?

A severe impairment is one that significantly affects your ability to do any type of work-related activities.

Does your condition prevent you from returning to work?

If you are able to return to work within 12 months it’s most likely you will not be considered disabled.

Does your condition prevent you from doing any type of work?

If you answered “no” you still may have a legitimate claim based on many other factors. Contact SSI Associates for a consultation.

How you answer those questions depends upon which benefit package you can apply for, which could be either SSDI or SSI or in some cases both types can be awarded.

The Social Security Administration has a disability evaluation or categories of impairments, (Also known as the “Blue Book”) which include and cover the following 14 bodily systems:

• Musculoskeletal System
• Special Senses and Speech
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular System
• Digestive System
• Genitourinary Impairments
• Hematological Disorders
• Skin Disorders
• Endocrine System
• Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems
• Neurological
• Mental Disorders
• Malignant Neoplastic Diseases
• Immune System Disorders

Communication between your doctor and your social security attorney at SSI Associates will best determine if you are disabled and to what degree. Let the professionals handle your claim so you can get the disability results you deserve.

If you were denied social security benefits, read about the social security appeal process and submit a free claim evaluation with us.