What Is Social Security Disability?

Milwaukee, WI Lawyer Helping People With Disabilities Obtain Social Security Benefits

If you have a disability that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment, life can be incredibly difficult. You may be struggling with high healthcare expenses in addition to the regular costs of living and wondering how you can possibly keep up without a job that provides sufficient income and access to insurance coverage. It is important to know that financial assistance may be available to you through Social Security disability programs, though these benefits can often be challenging to obtain without help.

Attorney Jonathan Pearson has dedicated himself to serving people with disabilities in their pursuit of Social Security benefits. Jonathan will personally handle your case, advise you on your eligibility, guide you through the application process, represent you in your appeal, and offer any other legal assistance that you need. You will not have to pay any fees or costs unless we win your case and you successfully secure benefits.

What Is Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability refers to a set of federal programs administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration that provide financial assistance to people who are unable to work due to a disability.

Social Security disability specifically assists people who are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is defined as work that is capable of earning a monthly income at or above a defined amount, which has increased steadily over time. As of 2022, this amount is $1,350, or $2,260 for people who are considered to be blind. In order for a person to be eligible for benefits, the impairment or impairments must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Benefits are available to U.S. citizens as well as certain classes of non-citizens known as qualified aliens.

What Benefits Are Available Through Social Security Disability?

There are two primary types of Social Security disability benefits, each with its own eligibility criteria. The first of these is called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and it is available to qualifying people below the age of 65 who have contributed to Social Security through payroll deductions, accumulating at least 20 credits over the 10 years before the start of the disability. This program provides monthly payments calculated based on your average monthly earnings in your highest earning years. It also provides benefits for the recipient's spouse and minor children in some cases, and it qualifies the recipient for Medicare after the first 24 months of benefits.

The second program is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and it is available to those who do not qualify for SSDI or who receive a monthly SSDI benefit that is lower than the maximum SSI amount. It is a need-based benefit that can be reduced or adjusted based on an individual's income and assets. In order to be eligible, an individual must have qualifying assets valued at $2,000 or less, while this amount is $3,000 for a married couple. In 2021, the program provides a monthly benefit up to a maximum of $794 for an individual and $1,191 for a married couple, with supplements available from the State of Wisconsin. Those who are granted benefits usually also qualify for other benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps, and public housing.

Contact a Milwaukee County Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you need assistance with your application for Social Security disability benefits, contact us today at 414-240-4801 for a free consultation. We serve clients in the city of Milwaukee and throughout Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, and surrounding areas, including West Allis, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Greenfield, and Oak Creek.