Disability Programs
Social Security Disability Legal Services
The Federal Government has Several Programs that Provide Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities
The two largest programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
These sections will guide you through the basic information every claimant should know about disability benefits.
Still have questions after reviewing these sections? Visit our comprehensive common questions page, stop into our Cincinnati office, or contact us now for a free evaluation of your disability claim.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Eligibility
A disabled or blind individual must have paid Social Security taxes through working long enough and recently enough to become "insured," and therefore eligible for the SSDI program. Certain members of a disabled individual’s family may also be eligible for benefits.
How to Apply
Applications for SSDI benefits can be completed online or by phone:
Payment
The monthly benefit amount is based on the Social Security earnings records of the insured worker. Retroactive benefits are payable up to one year prior to the date you apply.
Medical Benefits
The disabled individual will automatically receive Medicare coverage after receiving disability benefits for two years.
Information to Gather for Application
- Biographical: Names, social security numbers, ages, dates of birth, and contact information of yourself, minor children, spouse, etc.
- Marital Status: Date, locations, and details regarding current marriage, and previous marriage(s), divorce(s), etc.
- Employment: Current and/or previous five employers, job titles, date ranges, wages, etc.
- Income & Resources: Bank account and routing numbers, household member income and resources, etc.
- Medical History: Medical impairments, medications, and names, addresses, phone numbers and date ranges for treating physicians and facilities in the last five years.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Eligibility
A disabled or blind individual must have limited income and resources to be eligible for the SSI program.
How to Apply
Applications for adult SSI benefits can be initiated online or by phone. The agency will then schedule a phone appointment to gather additional information and complete the process:
Payment
The monthly benefit amount is based on need and varies up to a fixed maximum federal benefit rate. Back benefits are payable from the first full month after the date you apply.
Medical Coverage
In most states, the disabled individual is automatically eligible for Medicaid.
Information to Gather for Application
- Biographical: Names, social security numbers, ages, dates of birth, and contact information of yourself, minor children, spouse, and information about current place of residence.
- Marital Status: Date, locations, and details regarding current marriage, previous marriage(s), divorce(s), etc.
- Employment: Current and/or previous five employers, job titles, date ranges, wages, etc.
- Income & Resources: Bank account and routing numbers, values of other assets (savings, real property, stocks, bonds, retirement), spouse’s income, motor vehicle ownership, other income or resources, etc.
- Medical History: Medical impairments, medications, and names, addresses, phone numbers, date ranges for treating physicians and facilities in the last five years.