When a person becomes disabled and is unable to work or earn a living, their personal situation is often very serious and personally devastating. However, there is hope and help available for disabled United States citizens.
If you have become disabled, you may qualify for compensation from various Social Security disability programs. To find out more and explore your potential options, contact a Wheaton Social Security disability lawyer who could walk you through the details of the programs and help you apply for the aid you need—or file an appeal if your application is denied. En Español.
How Social Security Programs Define “Disabled”
To qualify for Social Security disability programs, the applicant must first show that they are, in fact, disabled. These programs define a disability as a physical or mental issue that keeps a person from earning a living. Furthermore, the condition in question must have kept the person from working for at least one full year, or it must be expected to continue into the future for at least one full year.
Another way to qualify for aid is by having a condition that is expected to lead to death. Since there can be some lack of clarity regarding whether a person qualifies for Social Security disability programs, it is often best to seek the advice of an experienced Wheaton Social Security disability attorney.
Social Security Disability Programs
There are two main programs to which one can apply for Social Security benefits. One is called Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and the other is known as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Their biggest difference between each program is the criteria that determine whether someone qualifies for assistance.
In order to qualify for SSI, an applicant needs to be below a certain minimum income level, so this program can be useful to virtually any disabled person in need of assistance. On the other hand, SSDI is a bit more difficult to receive, as it requires applicants to have earned a certain number of credits by working for a period of years prior to requesting aid.
The Length of the Application Process
Unfortunately, the application process for Social Security disability benefits can be arduous and may last a long time even in the best of circumstances. Though the average time it takes to hear back from the Social Security Administration is between 30 and 120 days, it can take up to two years for a person to receive their benefits due to a complicated appeals process. The best way to avoid this long road could be to enlist the aid of a compassionate Social Security disability lawyer in Wheaton who could work to compile evidence effectively and expedite the process as much as possible.
Work with a Wheaton Social Security Disability Attorney Today
If you would like to apply for Social Security benefits or apply a denial, a Wheaton Social Security disability lawyer could help you get a jumpstart on the process. In addition, a skilled attorney could provide guidance regarding the right decisions to make when figuring out how to apply and which program to apply to. This could save you precious time and can result in the optimal result of getting your benefits as soon as possible. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started.