SSI Benefits & SSDI Benefits | How Disability Benefits Help
Not working due to a mental or physical impairment can be devastating for you and your family. It makes you vulnerable to economic problems. There are, however, Social Security disability benefits you could receive to relieve the economic hardship of not working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income Disability (SSID) are meant to help you pay for things like housing, utilities, food, and everyday living expenses.
But obtaining disability benefits is not always easy. In fact, statistically, in North Carolina, only a third of the applicants are approved at the initial stage of the disability claims process. But with the assistance of a resourceful and knowledgeable Social Security disability benefits attorney, your chances are greatly improved. I have dedicated my law practice to helping my fellow citizens obtain the help they need. Here, an overview is provided on:
How disability benefits can help you; and
Why you should fight to get them.
Contact me if you are thinking about filing a disability claims application. I will answer your questions and get your case started off on the right foot.
How Can Disability Benefits Help You in North Carolina?
Through your work history and paychecks, you pay Social Security taxes. So, if you find that you are now disabled and cannot work for at least one year, you are entitled to Social Security disability benefits–so long as you have a qualifying disability and evidence indicates you cannot work. As mentioned, though, getting disability benefits isn't an easy task. The process is complex and the evidence required is demanding.
But that doesn't mean you should not apply for disability. It especially doesn't mean you should give up if your initial application is denied. The truth is, if your claim is approved, it can provide many benefits, and those benefits are listed below.
Financial Resources to Stay Out of Poverty
When your disability claim is approved, you will receive a monthly income. Each year, these amounts increase with the cost-of-living increases.
Under the SSDI program, benefit amounts are determined by work history and wages
Under the SSI program, in 2020, you can receive up to $783/month for individuals or $1,175/month for couples.
If you receive both or receive income from other sources (e.g., workers' compensation benefits), your monthly payment may be reduced.
Health Insurance to Keep You & Your Family Covered
When you receive disability benefits, you are eligible for health insurance. The coverage varies depending on the disability benefits you receive. SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare while SSID recipients are eligible for Medicaid.
Medical Transportation to Help You Get the Treatment You Need
If you don't have transportation to doctor appointments or other health-related appointments, you can receive transportation through Medicare, Medicaid, or other means.
Additional Benefits to Keep Your Family Secure
Some of your immediate family members may also qualify for benefits based on your work history and disability. Typically, they can receive around 50% of your disability rate. Family members who could qualify include:
Spouses aged 62 or older
Spouses of any age if caring for a child who is either disabled or under the age of 16
Children under the age of 18
Children of any age if disabled and the disability started before the child turned 22 years old.
Programs to Help Your Return to Work
If you received Social Security disability benefits, then when it's time for you to return to work because your medical condition has improved, you will be eligible to participate in work programs. There are two main programs that can benefit you:
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), and
Ticket to Work.
These programs help participants prepare for returning to work they once did or for a new position and, among other things, save money to pay for supplies they will need to begin.
How I Can Help
I can help you pursue disability benefits and provide the following services:
A free case review
Guidance through the initial application process
Guidance through any necessary appeals
Preparation and presentation of your case at the hearing
Preparation and filing of appeals of unfavorable decisions.
Along with these services, I can benefit you in a more meaningful way. I have more than 40 years of legal experience, and almost one-fourth of that has been as a Social Security Administrative Law Judge in Raleigh, North Carolina. Another one-fourth of my legal experience has been at my own disability benefits practice, with offices located in Raleigh and Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
My experience as an SSA Administrative Law Judge provides me the insight necessary to optimize your chances of getting disability benefits. I know first-hand what judges want to see in the applications. I will implement that knowledge when developing and putting together your own application. Further, with nearly ten years in private practice helping clients receive disability benefits, I have come to know the system inside and out. That knowledge can be the turning point in your case.
Put my experience to work for you and contact Lloyd King Law Firm PLLC today.