The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs to provide economic assistance to the disabled: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI is an insurance program that pays disability benefits to people who paid into the Social Security trust fund through their employment. Both employee and employer contributes to the Social Security trust fund on behalf of the employee.
SSI is a needs-based program that provides a basic income for low-income disabled people, regardless of employment history and age. Brown & Crouppen does not work on SSI-only benefits applications, only on cases for those seeking Social Security Disability benefits.
Almost all of the cases we take are disability claims that have been turned down by people who didn't have attorneys. The Social Security Administration is not your advocate. Their job is to represent the system, not you.
An August 2010 report by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration indicated that most applicants benefit from having a representative. It found that people with the following types of disorders were more likely to receive SSDI if they had a representative :
- Back disorders
- Osteoarthrosis and related disorders
- Diabetes
- Muscle, Ligament, and Fascia Disorders
Timing is Crucial
If benefits have been denied, reduced, terminated, or the SSA notifies you of any other actions against you, file for "reconsideration" immediately. You have only 60 days to file an appeal.
If you appeal within 10 days of being notified of a disability benefit action, you may be able to continue receiving payments while you appeal the decision. Continue your medical care and keep documentation; they are important to supporting your claim.
Whether you need assistance with your initial application, or have already been denied benefits and need to prepare for reconsideration, our attorneys can help you navigate the complex Social Security Disability claims process. Call Brown & Crouppen toll free: 888-842-7944 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online contact form.
