SSI/SSDI

Employees in Ohio who are unable to work for at least one year because of a severe physical or mental disability may be entitled to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, two federal programs that provide financial assistance to individuals who become disabled before retirement age. If you believe you may be entitled to SSI or SSDI benefits due to a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working, or if your initial SSI/SSDI application was rejected by the Social Security Administration, a knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyer can help. Consult a skilled SSDI attorney today to explore your possible compensation options.

What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

Both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are federally-funded programs overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and designed to help disabled individuals, but there are a number of differences between the two, including who they help and how they operate. The amount of SSDI benefits available to disabled individuals in Ohio depends on income and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or the measure of the cost of living for an average person in the United States. In 2015, Social Security benefits were $733 for an individual and $1,100 for a couple. As far as the SSI program goes, the average amount of benefits disabled individuals in Ohio receive depends on their living situation, but typically falls between $530 and $540.

Who is Eligible for SSI/SSDI?

SSDI benefits are intended for individuals who worked for a predetermined number of years and paid Social Security taxes, and who now suffer from a physical or mental disability that prevents them from working. Eligibility for SSDI benefits depends on the individual’s work history, and the amount of benefits they receive monthly depends on his or her Social Security earnings record. Like Social Security retirement benefits, SSDI benefits can also be paid to a worker’s children, widow, widower, or to adults who have been disabled since childhood, and have therefore not worked in the past.

For disabled individuals who have limited income and resources, but who have not paid enough into the Social Security system to qualify for SSDI benefits, SSI benefits may still be available. The Supplemental Security Income program is a needs-based program that pays monthly benefits to adults and children of any age who are disabled or blind. In order to be eligible for SSI benefits, you must have less than $2,000 in assets – or $3,000 for a couple – and your income must fall below a certain limit. There is a maximum federal rate for SSI benefits, but the State of Ohio supplements federal SSI payments.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

It may seem like SSI and SSDI benefits should be readily available to individuals who are unable to work because of a disability. However, applying for, and actually receiving, Social Security disability benefits can be an extremely complicated and frustrating process. The majority of SSI and SSDI claimants who don’t have legal representation are denied benefits, and the likelihood of a disabled individual receiving SSI or SSDI benefits following a rejection by the SSA is extremely low. Throughout the consideration process, the SSA will collect medical and other information about the claimant, and then make a decision based on whether or not the individual meets Social Security’s definition of a disability. According to the SSA, approximately 5.4% of the population of Ohio receive SSDI benefits, with 50% of the benefits going to individuals between the ages of 55 and 64.

A Reputable SSI/SSDI Attorney Can Help

If you are a former employee in Ohio, and you are no longer able to work because of a physical or mental disability, contact a knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney today to discuss your legal options. You may be eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits, which a reputable SSI or SSDI lawyer can help you pursue, either by presenting a strong initial application, or by representing you at the “reconsideration” or administrative hearing stages of the approval process. With an experienced Ohio Social Security disability lawyer on your side, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected, and improve your chances of receiving the SSI or SSDI benefits you and your family deserve.