Here's what SSD and SSI are:
SSI~ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):
* It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and
* It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
SSD: Social Security Disability- This program is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons.
•The worker will get Medicare coverage automatically after receiving disability benefits for two years.
•To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes.
•Disability benefits are payable to:
◦blind or disabled workers
◦their children
◦widow(er)s
◦adults disabled since childhood
•The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.
Note: We also have a Social Security Disability Advice Group here at MDJunction. Please feel free to check that out as well.
http://www.mdjunction.com/social-security-disability-advice
As far as going through a lawyer or if we were just lucky- Well, the majority of applicants file, get denied, get an attorney or representative and appeal. Then, most of the time, get denied again, and file another appeal to appear in front of an ALJ (Administrative Law Judge).
This process can take literally years to complete.
Feel free to post with questions and share your story. We simply ask that you post in the correct group (either the SSI or SSD).
You may send me a PM anytime too.
"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown
I was approved for SSDI also but it is in some kind of payment process so i am told so i won't hear anything about that for up to 60 days.. bummer.. BUT I'm just excited their is finally a light at the end of the tunnel!
