Lowell, Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers
Nobody wants to file for Social Security Disability. Most people would rather work and earn a living. But that’s not always an option. Whether it’s due to a physical limitation or a mental impairment, work just isn’t an option no matter how hard a person tries.
This is especially true in Lowell, Massachusetts. What started as a farming community slowly transitioned into an industrial city in the 19th Century. After Mill Work was outsourced in the 20th century, Lowell has transformed into a city that draws 21st century industry while also maintaining its manufacturing roots. What has remained true over the years is that Lowell was built on hard work.
Unfortunately, some people just aren’t able to work like they used to. That’s why the federal government instituted Social Security Disability Benefits to allow people to get benefits when they need them the most and retain their dignity as they go through life.
Am I Eligible for SSDI or SSI?Most people are encouraged to apply for both Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), even though they don’t really know what the difference is. On the one hand, SSDI is a typical Insurance benefit that people pay for as they work. The standard FICA taxes that come out of everyone’s paycheck pays for this along with traditional Social Security and Medicare benefits. This allows disabled workers to obtain benefits based on their historic earnings.
On the other hand, SSI benefits are intended for disabled people who have no other source of income and no other assets. It’s meant to give people an ability to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. To be eligible, you don’t necessarily need to have a work history. But, there will be a limit on how much money you can have in the bank and other assets you can own.
Physical Limitations - Injuries vs. Wear and TearMany people from Lowell apply for SSD benefits on account of physical limitations they have. Whether it’s bad knees, bad backs, or other physical conditions that cause significant limitations, many people just don’t have any job opportunities. This can come about in a variety of ways. Some people suffer from general wear and tear. This is especially true for people in the trades and others with physically demanding jobs. As time goes on, it becomes harder and harder to do the same physical work, until it eventually becomes impossible.
Other people have an acute injury. Whether it’s a work injury, car accident, or a fall, some people suffer injuries to various body parts that change the trajectory of their lives. These injuries can take someone with a long history of work and cause them to be unemployable.
Local Lowell, Massachusetts Disability LawyersAt Marcotte Law Firm, we’re local. When you call us, we’ll schedule an appointment to have you meet with one of our SSD Attorneys right away. We have offices in Lowell, Woburn, and Andover, and we use them to meet with our clients. That’s because we think it’s important for you to have a relationship with your attorney. We don’t feel like we can represent you effectively if we don’t know you. We also want to make sure that the wheels are in motion to create a record that will get you the benefits you need.
If you or a loved one are applying for SSD benefits or have been recently denied, call the Lowell Social Security Disability Attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation.