SSD and SSI Benefits

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

Qualifying for SSD Benefits

Out of the past 10 years, have you worked at least 60 months (5 years)? If you answer “Yes,” you meet one of the requirements for applying for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD). People with serious disabilities who haven’t been working may not be eligible to receive SSD benefits, but they may be eligible for SSI benefits.

Qualifying for SSI Benefits

If you have not worked at least 60 months (5 years) out of the last 10 years, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be what you should apply for. SSI benefits are for people who have not been working and who have limited income and resources.

Qualifying for SSI and Medicaid

If you qualify for SSI you will also be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits. This is important, since Medicaid can cover your medical expenses as well as some prescription drug bills, enabling you to use your SSI disability benefits for housing, clothes, and everyday needs. For these reasons, providing complete, extensive medical documentation of your disability and work history is essential.

The Stages of Requesting Benefits

Your case may go through a few different stages before you are approved for Social Security SSD or SSI benefits. At each stage, your case may be denied. When you are denied, there is a time limit for you to decide to proceed to the next stage, so don’t wait!

• Your Initial Application, where you first apply for SSD or SSI benefits
• An Administrative Hearing by the Social Security Administration, where you ask that Social Security to reconsider the denial of your initial application.
• A Review by the Social Security Administration Appeals Council, where you ask the Appeals Council to reconsider the decision of the Social Security Administration.
• A Federal Appeal, where you ask that a Federal Court reconsider the denial of your administrative hearing.

The law firm of Clark, James, Hanlin, and Hunt, located in Birmingham, Alabama, represents clients throughout Montgomery, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Gadsden, Cullman, Jasper, Anniston, Pell City, Decatur, Selma, Florence, Scottsboro and Fort Payne.