If you have a debilitating condition, you may be able to access disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, obtaining the disability benefits you require might be difficult and stressful. In addition, when applicants are informed that their application for benefits has been denied, they are frequently shocked and disappointed. However, the denial may have resulted from mistakes in their paperwork or several other reasons.
According to Mississippi Today, Mississippians’ disability claims get rejected at a greater rate than in neighboring states. As a result, people with an impairing condition may be left without income security. You might be wondering, “What are the advantages of social security?” or “How can I obtain the social security disability benefits I deserve?” The legal team at Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., understands your situation, and we’re ready to help.
Set up a free consultation with our disability lawyers in Jackson, Mississippi. We frequently assist individuals with disabilities in receiving the benefits they deserve. We work hard for our clients so that they can live with respect and dignity. Make an appointment now and discover how we can help you.
Which Social Security Disability Benefits Are Available in Mississippi?
Disabled individuals have several routes to receive financial assistance. You may apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have a disability. Other disability benefits are available as well. Residents of Mississippi who qualify for SSI benefits will automatically be eligible for Medicaid services. In addition, if you are a disabled veteran who has served our nation, you could be eligible to receive VA compensation.
What’s the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two completely distinct programs, but people with disabilities might be eligible for either program.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a government-funded program that helps people who have lost their ability to work due to an injury or illness. FICA Social Security taxes have been paid in by disabled SSDI beneficiaries into the SSDI system. Those funds were deducted from their salaries every pay period. Those perks are only open to people between 18 and 65 who are disabled. In the case of a severe health problem expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death, you must be unable to work due to this condition. Your total earnings usually determine the amount of SSDI payments you receive.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) differs from Social Security Disability Insurance in several respects. First, SSI is a needs-based program, as the name implies. The program is not paid for by employee payroll taxes. Instead, it is funded through general taxes. The amount of SSI received by individuals is based on their income levels. SSI benefits are intended for disabled adults or young kids with limited or no earnings.
According to the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, the typical SSDI payment is $969 per month. The typical monthly benefit for SSI recipients is $506. Unlike many other states, Mississippi does not supplement the federal SSI payment with state money.
Defining ‘Disabled’ for Social Security Benefit Eligibility
Do you think you might be disabled? To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a condition that falls within a specific list established by the Social Security Administration. The phrase “disability” refers to a physically or mentally determinable impairment that is expected to result in death or has lasted or can be anticipated to continue for more than 12 months.
To put it another way, you must have been diagnosed with a disease that would severely limit your ability to work and continue a “normal” life.
Common Types of Disabilities That Qualify Someone for Benefits in Jackson, Mississippi
The Social Security Administration provides a manual for impairment listings. The “blue book” lists physical and mental impairments that might entitle you to benefits. The following are examples of such illnesses:
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Vision or hearing loss
- Cancer
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological disorders
- Mental illness
- Immune system diseases
What if your disability isn’t one of the most prevalent kinds? That does not necessarily imply you are unable to obtain benefits. Social Security may look at your condition and see if it meets the requirements for being considered “medically comparable” to one of the conditions on their list. So, if your illness limits your ability to function and complete daily activities, you are likely to qualify for benefits.
Can You Receive Both SSI and SSDI?
Since the SSI and SSDI disability benefits programs are funded differently, many people wonder if they can simultaneously receive SSI and SSDI benefits. Unfortunately, the answer is that it depends.
Keep in mind that SSI is a needs-based program with income restrictions. For example, assume you’ve applied for and received SSDI benefits. To qualify for SSI, your earnings from the previous tax year must be less than a certain amount. In many situations, if you’ve worked long enough to qualify for SSDI payments, your income and assets requirements are often not low enough to meet the corresponding SSI standards.
If You’re Receiving VA Benefits, Can You Also Claim Social Security Benefits?
Although the VA disability compensation is not based on income, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits if you receive VA assistance. If you’re a disabled veteran who’s enrolled in the needs-based VA pension system, you could be able to claim your VA pension as well as SSI.
Can I Afford a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
Our firm understands the financial difficulties of life with a disability. To mitigate upfront costs, we work on contingency, which means we won’t collect a fee unless your claim is successful. Choosing an attorney is a big decision, so we also offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you make the right choice. Admitting that these conditions are devastating to your career can be intimidating, and being denied can be frustrating, even offensive. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our Jackson, Mississippi Social Security Disability lawyers will be by your side every step of the way. We’re dedicated to protecting your rights and serving you with compassionate counsel.
