Are SSI and SSDI Both Social Security Disability Benefits?
Q: Does the work history of a person affect the determination of a social security disability claim?
A: Yes, work history is a factor for all disability claims. Determining whether social security disability insurance should be given is in part dependent upon the work a person could do, in spite of his current medical condition. The case manager is interested in your work history to determine if you are able to still perform jobs you have had before. In addition, your work history will also help the examiner for your case know if you can perform other types of work. A social security disability claims examiner uses standard medical vocational principles when evaluating an application. The age of an applicant, academic history and limitations caused by the medical condition are all factored in. The medical vocational grid aids the examiner in establishing whether an applicant can perform a job he has had previously or other work. The guidelines are a tool and are not perfect. The limitations of a condition and the need for social security disability insurance are very difficult to fit into a simple set of guidelines. The claims manager will still need to use some common sense and subjectivity to determine if a person can perform work. Your record of previous employment is usually the second most important aspect (next to medical condition) in establishing whether benefits should be awarded.
Q: Are SSDI and SSI the same thing?
A: Both SSI and SSDI are disability programs offered by Social Security, but they are not the same thing. An individual qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if he has earned the minimum amount of credits through his work history by contributing to social security through his taxable earnings. Individuals who fall below certain income and resource limits can qualify for SSI or Supplemental Security Income benefits. An applicant for SSI need not have been in the workforce for a certain amount of time to be eligible for benefits.
Q: How long does a claim take?
A: If all the required paperwork is submitted and filled out correctly, the average time for a claim to be initially reviewed is 90 days. Lack of medical information is the biggest reason many applications take more time than the average. Assuring that your claims representative has all the required information is key to avoiding delays. If your application was denied social security disability benefits after the first review step, your next steps would be filing for reconsideration and, eventually, an appeal for a hearing. Having a case reconsidered and heard before an administrative judge will make your claim take even longer. Many cases have been in the process for 2 years by the time they are heard.