Social Security Disability

If you find yourself unable to do your regular work because of physical or mental impairment or both and it keeps you out of work for 12 months or more, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is available to individuals who have contributed to a Social Security account. These individuals earn “quarters of coverage” based on their contributions. An individual usually must work five out of the last ten years to meet the required number of quarters. There are some allowances for younger persons who have not had the opportunity to work for that long.

Did you know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves roughly only 25% of claims at the initial level? Hinman, Howard & Kattell attorneys have the experience and knowledge to help you through the process and get you the benefits you deserve.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program for individuals who are not covered by the SSD program. These benefits are determined based on individual income and assets. The standard in determining whether an individual is disabled for this program is the same as the SSD program.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for either of the above benefits, an individual must demonstrate that he or she is “totally disabled.” This means they must prove they have a physical or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments) severe enough to prevent them from performing substantial gainful activity (any regular paying job) for at least twelve consecutive months. The requirement is not whether an individual would be offered a job, but whether there are jobs available that he or she could perform. There are certain allowances for individuals of advanced age allowing for a more realistic look at age, education and experience in meeting this test.