• What qualifies a recipient for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Questions about qualifications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and conditions covered? Visit our comprehensive SSDI Qualification FAQs page for more information.

• How do Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments work?

Questions about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments? Visit our comprehensive SSDI Payments FAQs page for more information.

• How does income impact Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Questions about how income impacts Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) qualifications and benefits? Visit our comprehensive SSDI Income FAQs page for more information.

• How long does one have to be out of work before they can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are required to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that their “disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.” Many applicants mistakenly believe they must be out-of-work for a period of six months to one year before applying for SSDI. However, applicants should apply for SSDI as soon as they are diagnosed with a serious disability that meets the requirements outlined above.

• What is the “Ticket to Work” I heard about?

The SSA encourages disabled individuals to learn new skills and return to the workforce whenever possible. The Ticket to Work is a program offering training and education. You can learn more about it online at choosework.ssa.gov.

• Can someone lose their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires beneficiaries meet certain requirements to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits—and typically review claims every 3-4 years to determine if an applicant’s condition has improved.  Should the SSA determine a recipient medically improved and is no longer disabled, the recipient can appeal the discontinuation of his or her SSDI benefits. Other life changes (i.e. return to work or incarceration) will cause SSDI benefits to stop.

• Can someone own a home if they are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are not subject to any form of asset test at the hands of the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI applicants can possess assets, cash and resources without limit—with nothing to prevent a claimant from owning a home. SSI claims, however, will count the value of secondary residences, vacation homes, land other than where their primary residence is located, or income properties.

• Can someone own a car if they are on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are not subject to any form of asset test at the hands of the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI applicants can possess assets, cash, and resources without limit—with nothing to prevent a claimant from owning a car. SSI claims, however, will count the value of additional vehicles, boats, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles.

• Must recipients file taxes on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Questions about how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) impacts tax filings and 1099 forms? Visit our comprehensive SSDI Tax FAQs page for more information.

• Does Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pay more than Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Questions about the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) versus Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? Visit our comprehensive SSDI vs. SSI page for more information.

• Should a potential applicant hire an attorney for their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim?

Having a Social Security Disability lawyer on your side can improve your chances of having your initial application approved, potentially saving you months of financial hardship while your application slowly makes its way through the appeals process.

If your application is denied, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the appeals process, search for options to expedite your claim and represent your interests. The lawyer will also be up-to-date on the most recent changes in the process or legal rulings regarding disability claims.  He or she may also be able to find additional resources to help you and your family during this time.

In our practice, we offer disabled individuals the opportunity to talk with us at no charge, and with no pressure! We’ll talk about your claim, discuss your legal rights and answer your questions.  We will also file your SSDI application for you online, so you do not have to go through the stressful steps of getting your claim started and wondering if your application has been filled out properly or if SS has received it.