Social Security Disability can be a lifeline for those who are disabled and unable to work. While most everyone agrees that they’d prefer to be able to work every day and earn a paycheck, that’s just not possible for many people. Whether you have a physical or emotional disability that keeps you from work, Social Security Disability can get you back on your feet.
At Marcotte Law Firm, our Burlington Disability Lawyers do everything we can to get your Disability benefits. We meet early and often with our clients, taking the time to formulate a plan to get you claim approved. Our attorneys make sure that you’re seeing the doctors needed to document your disability. We make sure that the Social Security Administration has everything it needs to approve your claim.
What Are Disability Benefits?Social Security Disability benefits are monthly checks that are paid to people who cannot work because of a disability. There are also benefits available for disabled children and spouses of disabled people in certain situations. The amount of these checks vary, depending which program you are getting benefits from, and also depending on your individual work history.
What Are the Disability Programs?There are actually two Social Security Disability programs. The first is a work-based program called Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly known as SSDI. The second is a needs-based program called Supplemental Security Income, commonly known as SSI. Both of these programs require you to be disabled and unable to work. However, there are some important differences.
SSDI is available for people who have a history of work and have paid into the social security system through their Social Security taxes. When you apply, the Social Security Administration will look at your work history and the amount of Social Security taxes you have paid to determine if you are eligible. Your prior earnings will also determine how much your benefits will be if you are determined to be disabled and unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Employment.
SSI is available for those who have no work history, but there is a limit on the amount of assets you have. For example, you are often able to own the home you live in and the car you drive, but you cannot have a significant amount of money in the bank. Often a couple thousands of dollars in the bank will make you ineligible.
What is a Listing?The Social Security Administration will look to multiple factors to determine if you are disabled and entitled to SSD benefits. In one column are your disabilities and the limitations they cause. For example, a bad back might mean that you are able to stand up for up to 1 hour at a time before you need to sit. Or, depression or anxiety might require you to be out of work for 1-2 days per month without warning.
In the other column will be your age and work history. The Social Security Administration will look at your age to determine the job opportunities that are available. It will also look to your education, training, and work experience to see what options are available. This means that two people with identical conditions and disabilities might not both be deemed disabled. For example, a bad back might not keep 25 year old with a bachelor’s degree from finding work. But, a bad back will certainly limit a 55 year old with a GED who has worked construction jobs for his entire life.
Local Burlington, Massachusetts Social Security Disability LawyersAt Marcotte Law Firm, Our SSD Attorneys have offices in Woburn, Lowell, and Andover so that we can serve the local communities. When you hire the Disability Lawyers at Marcotte Law Firm, you’ll get someone who is local to Burlington, not someone from across the country.
If you need help with your application for SSD Benefits, call the Burlington, Massachusetts Disability Attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation.