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The Ronkonkoma SSI lawyers at Turley Redmond & Rosasco have been handling social security cases for over 25 years. During that time, we have received thousands of questions from clients and prospective clients, some of which we see over and over again. Below are some of the most common questions and answers concerning social security benefits.
What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides government benefits to individuals who sustain injuries or suffer disabilities that prevent them from engaging in gainful employment, so long as they have been employed for a certain amount of time and paid into the social security trust fund. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides benefits to aged, blind, and other disabled individuals who have limited income and who may or may not have ever worked. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What are My Chances of Receiving Benefits?
Your chances of being approved to receive benefits will vary according to the facts of your individual case. However, recent data shows that only 35.0% of all initial applications are approved nationwide, but that figure rises to 48.8% for applications that make it to the hearing level or beyond. Enlisting the help of an experienced SSI lawyer may increase those odds even further.
How Long Will the Application Process Take?
Again, the application process timeline will vary according to the facts of your case. Generally, the SSA issues initial determinations within about three months, but an initial denial and subsequent hearings and appeals can significantly lengthen the process. Recent estimates have found that there are currently about one million cases in a hearing backlog that averages about 20 months per applicant. Since most initial applications for social security benefits are denied, be prepared to wait for a final decision.
How do I Know if I Am “Disabled”?
The SSA uses a very narrow definition of “disabled” that differs somewhat from the common definition. According to the SSA, an individual is disabled when they meet three requirements:
1. They cannot do the work that they previously engaged in,
2. They cannot transition to other types of work due to their medical condition, and
3. Their disability is expected to last for at least a year or to result in death
The SSA outsources decisions regarding disability status to federally-funded state agencies known as Disability Determination Services (DDS).
How Much Will it Cost?
While the SSA does not charge a fee to submit an application for social security benefits, you may incur legal costs if you choose to enlist the help of an attorney to handle your application and any hearings or appeals that may be necessary. However, there will be no up-front costs to you. The Ronkonkoma SSI lawyers a7t Turley Redmond & Rosasco work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
Contact the Ronkonkoma SSI Lawyers at Turley Redmond & Rosasco
These FAQs are merely a brief overview of some of the most common questions we receive. If you have more specific questions or concerns, we will be glad to answer them. Contact us for a free consultation by using our online form or by calling us at 631-582-3700.
3075 Veterans Memorial Highway,
Suite 200
Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779
Phone: 631-582-3700
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