Understanding New England Disability Benefits
The federal government offers several programs that provide assistance to persons suffering from disabilities. Two of these are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) , both of which are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Jackson & MacNichol serves clients with SSDI and SSI claims throughout Maine, and all parts of New England, including New Hampshire, Vermont, Boston, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Let our experienced Social Security attorneys and staff assist you – we offer representation at all stages of the claim process. Call us today at (800) 524-3339 or use our online contact form.
Because SSI and SSDI are federal programs, their administration generally is the same in all states, including the New England states of Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut. You can expect to follow much the same procedures as benefits applicants from anywhere in the United States.
- SSDI pays benefits if you are an “insured” person and you become disabled. To be an “insured” person eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough and have paid Social Security taxes. To be considered “disabled,” you must have an injury, disease, or other medical condition that falls within certain standards set out by the SSA. If you qualify for SSDI benefits, other family members also may be entitled to benefits, including your spouse and your children.
- SSI pays benefits to disabled persons based on financial need. The SSA uses the same “disability” standards for SSI benefits that it uses for SSDI benefits. Some states, including Maine, add money to the basic benefit offered by the SSI program.
In all cases, Social Security programs pay benefits only for long-term disabilities. The Social Security Administration presumes that you will have other resources, such as insurance, workers’ compensation, and personal savings, to help you through periods of short-term disability.
Your disability must be total. That is, Social Security does not pay benefits for partial disability.
To qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, you need to submit a benefits application to the SSA to show that you’re disabled. You’ll also show why you’re either an “insured” wage earner entitled to SSDI or someone in financial need entitled to SSI.
There are many medical conditions and injuries that can render you physically disabled for purposes of obtaining SSDI or SSI benefits. There are also a wide variety of emotional problems that can make you disabled and eligible for benefits.
If your benefits application is successful, you’ll be entitled to a monthly benefits payment from the SSA. For SSDI benefits, you may also receive payment for past benefits, for the period up to one year before you filed your claim.
It’s important to apply for disability benefits right away after you become disabled. In almost all cases, there’s no benefit to delaying your application, and if you wait too long, you risk losing certain benefits.
Once you apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, the SSA will send your application to the appropriate state agency. The state agencies have experts who will investigate your claim and then make a disability decision that is reported back to the SSA.
If your claim for benefits is denied, you can appeal the SSA’s decision.
Recent statistics show that most Social Security disability benefit claims are denied. That’s why it’s important that your claim be well-presented – you want to maximize your chance of success on your benefits claim. The professionals at Jackson & MacNichol are here to help you do just that — or handle your appeal when your claim is denied. Call (800) 524-3339 to set up your appointment or use our online contact form. Well help clients throughout New England, including New Hampshire, Vermont, Boston, Massachusetts and Connecticut.