Understanding Disability Benefits: Sacramento Residents’ Guide to SSDI and SSI

The federal government has two programs called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which are intended to give disabled Americans monthly payments exclusively for their help. However, each has a complicated approval process, and in order to be eligible, you have to fulfil specific requirements.

Therefore, if you anticipate needing to utilize these offers, it is crucial to prepare ahead of time and be aware of the eligibility requirements. Hence, it is advisable to find a financial advisor who has expertise and years of experience in Social Security Disability Insurance. Also, they help you understand SSD benefits, which can help you create a financial plan for your family’s needs and goals.

As per SSA - in 2023, nearly 9 million individuals received SSDI benefits. Similarly, SSI offers financial assistance to more than 7.6 million low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled.

We've created this guide to help you understand the benefits of SSDI and SSI - so that you don’t miss out on what they have to offer. 

What Are SSDI And SSI?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) are two programs offered by the SSA (Social Security Admission). Those who become disabled before they reach full retirement age are eligible to receive disability benefits. In comparison, SSI is offered to those who are 65 years and above and have a disability.

SSDI - SSDI is a program for sick and injured individuals who are unable to work. In this, you don’t have to pay a premium. All you need to do is - pay a Special Security tax with each paycheck, and that money funds the program.

You can stay on SSDI as long as you are unable to work - until you reach the retirement age and start to claim regular retirement benefits. Your past income level determines the benefits of SSDI. To qualify for SSDI, you must have -

  • Worked long enough
  • Worked recently enough
  • Paid  Social Security Insurance

SSI - SSI offers minimum basic assistance to older adults and persons with disabilities (regardless of any age) with limited income and resources. State programs often supplement federal SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration.

SSI is funded by general tax dollars - and not Social Security taxes. To be eligible for SSI program, you must have -

  • A verifiable financial need
  • A few additional resources
  • An illness or disability that doesn’t allow you to work

Documents Required For SSDI And SSI

Here are the documents you may need for SSI and SSDI. The lists are not all-inclusive.

Supplemental Security Income

Social Security Number or Card —-------------
Proof Of Age
  • A public birth record recorded before age 5, or
  • A religious birth record recorded before age 5, or
  • Other documents showing your age or date of birth.
Citizenship or Non-Citizen Status Record
  • Birth certificate showing you were born in the United States, or
  • Religious record of birth or baptism showing your place of birth in the United States, or
  • Naturalization certificate, or
  • US passport or passport card, or
  • Certificate of citizenship

Also, if you are a non-citizen, here are some of the documents you may required -

  • A current immigration document, for example - I-551 (Permanent Resident Card), or
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

**If you are non-citizen who has served in the US Armed Forces, you may need your military discharge paper (form DD-214). 
Income Proof
  • Earned Income (payroll stubs).

**If you are self-employed, you might be required to present a tax return for the last tax year. 

  • Unearned Income proof such as - award letters, bank statement, receipts, court orders, etc., to show how often you recieve the payment and from which sources.
  • Work incentives proof.
Proof Of Resources
  • Bank statement for saving accounts
  • Tax appraisal or deed statement for all owned property (excluding the house you live in)
  • Disability or life insurance policies
  • Burial contracts, burial plots, etc.
  • Deposit, stock, bond, mutual funds certificate
  • Registrations for vehicles like trucks, cars, motorcycles, campers, boats, etc.
Proof Of Living Arrangements
  • Lease or rent slip
  • Date of births, medical assistance cards, names, Social Security numbers for all members.
  • Deed or property tax bill
  • Household cost for rent, mortgage, food, and utilities information.
Medical Sources (For Blind And Disabled)
  • Names of the prescription and non-prescription medications
  • Name, address, phone number of the assigned doctor, hospital, and other medical service providers. Also, share the dates of treatments.
  • Medical reports, if any
Work History
  • Type of work
  • Job titles
  • Name of the employers
  • Date worked (from-till)
  • Hours worked per day, and week
  • Days worked in a week, and the payment you received in the last 15 years before you became ill or injured.
  • Job description and the work you performed

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 

 

Personal Information Documents
  • Your date and place of birth and Social Security Number
  • Name and Social Security Number of your spouse, along with their age.
  • Date and place of marriage, divorce, or death.
  • Name and address of people who know about your medical condition (not doctors or any healthcare providers)
  • Worker compensation or any other disability benefit information.
  • Date of injury, claim number for any worker’s compensation claim, the source of payment, and the amount for the worker’s comp claim.
  • Checking or saving account number.
  • Routing Transit Number or depositing SSDI payments.
Medical Documents
  • Reports and records related to your medical conditions.
  • Names of the prescription and non-prescription medications
  • Name, address, phone number of the assigned doctor, hospital, and other medical service providers. Also, share the dates of treatments.
  • Names and dates of the medical tests conducted for the conditions you have. Also, mention the name of the doctors who ordered them.

**If you don’t have medical records, you can ask for them from your medical service providers. 
Education And Work History
  • A whole list of jobs you have in the past 15 years. This might include - part time, fulltime, self employment, etc.

**W-2 forms or self employment tax return for the last year. 

  • How many hours you worked - per day and per week.
  • Income proof of the payment.
  • Information related to your education - highest level of education completed.
  • Also, include if you have received any special education for mental, physical, or emotional condition.
  • Also, share the certification of specialized training such as - vocational or trade training, and the dates it was completed.
Additional/Mandatory Documents
  • Birth certificate showing you were born in the United States, or
  • Religious record of birth or baptism showing your place of birth in the United States, or
  • Naturalization certificate, or
  • US passport or passport card, or
  • Certificate of citizenship

Also, if you are a non-citizen, here are some of the documents you may required -

  • A current immigration document, for example - I-551 (Permanent Resident Card), or
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

**If you are non-citizen who has served in the US Armed Forces, you may need your military discharge paper (form DD-214). 

Note: The number of documents may vary, depending on certain circumstances. An SSDI lawyer can help you with the exact documents required for both of the programs. 

Application Process Of SSDI And SSI

Applying for SSDI and SSI involves several important steps, which we have described in detail -

Fill In The Application

You can file for SSDI through the online portal (ssa.gov). You can either do it online or visit the local SSA office. The application requires all the information about your medical conditions, work history, and personal data.

Submit Your Documents

You must share all the relevant documents, such as - medical records, work history details, and other documents, as required. This also includes doctors’ statements, test reports, etc. Also, submit proof of disability benefits received earlier.

Reviewing

Once you apply, the SSA reviews the application to verify the non-medical eligibility criteria, such as work credits and income levels. If all the criteria are met, the application is sent to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical evaluation.

Decision

After the review is done by the DDS as well, they will either reject the application or approve it. If approved, the SSA will notify you in writing and outline the SSDI benefits and start date. If rejected, you will receive an application stating the reasons for denial and how to appeal.

Appeals

In case your application is rejected - you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days. The appeal process includes -

  • Reconsideration
  • Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
  • Review by the Appeals Council
  • Federal Court Review

The process can take several months - and sometimes a year - depending on the complexity of the case and the appeal level.

Note: The process of application of SSDI and SSI are almost similar, with a few differences. So, it is advisable to hire an SSD lawyer. They can help you understand the process and gather the correct documents. 

Takeaway

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are complex processes and require the expertise of a lawyer. The SSA asks for several documents to determine if you are eligible for the program.

Most applicants face rejection for several reasons, the most common one being insufficient documents. The process can be pretty overwhelming, and you might need to resubmit the claim or file a lawsuit with the federal court.

A lawyer’s expertise and experience help file the claim and ensure the claim is not rejected by any means. They can help you clear several roadblocks and increase your chances of being approved. Also, they help present the case effectively during appeals - in case your application is denied.

Ready To Gain Social Security Disability Benefits? Contact Hadley And Fraulob Now!

Our lawyers at Hadley and Fraulob can help you file a claim for your SSD and SSI because of our familiarity with the SSA.

Whether you need assistance to submit an application or need someone who can represent you at a disability hearing - we are sure to make a difference. We start by reviewing all your documents and understanding your case and then proceed to represent you to ensure you get the claim you are entitled to.

We understand how hard it is to live with disability and no income. So, we want to help you with the security you need to live. Also, we don’t charge until we win the case for you.

Don’t wait till it's too late - contact Hadley and Fraulob to ensure you are getting the SSD benefits and living a happy life further.