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Reliable Help for Your Social Security Needs

The Social Security application process can be a challenging time for many people. Our experienced Certified Paralegal with Advanced Certification in Social Security Disability, and staff, are here and ready to fight for you to get the benefits and compensation that you deserve.

Two Classifications of Social Security Benefits There are two major types of Social Security benefits that you may qualify for. Below are the general guidelines for each:

Disability Insurance Benefits Title II


To receive Disability Insurance Benefits a claimant must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 20 quarters of the past 10 years.


Medicare comes with Disability Insurance Benefits. A claimant does not receive Medicare until 24 months after disability payments begin.


Any minor child(ren) of a claimant under the Disability Insurance Benefits can qualify for benefits but do not receive Medicare.

Supplemental Security Income Title XVI

Supplemental Security Income benefits is a welfare based program designed to help claimants who have never worked or have worked but have not met the minimum 20 quarters of the past 10 years.


Medicaid comes with Supplemental Security Income benefits and begins the same month that SSI benefits begin.


Any minor child(ren) of the Supplemental Security Income claimant are not entitled to receive monetary benefits.

How to Determine if You Should Apply By following the chart below, you can determine if you might qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income. You must meet all of the qualifications to be considered disabled according to medical and vocational factors.

Eligibility Chart

1. Are you currently employed

a.Yes? Then you may not qualify for Disability

b.No? Proceed to step 2

2. Do you have a severe impairment?

a.Yes? Continue to step 3

b.No? Then you may not qualify for Disability

3. The impairment will last more than 12 monts or result in death?

a.Yes? Proceed to step 4

b.No? Then you cannot qualify for Disability

4. Impairment meets or equals severe listing defined by medical listing?

a.Yes? You could meet the requirements for Disability according to listing and should explore your options of applying for benefits

b.No? Proceed to step 5

5. Able to perform previous type of work?

a.Yes?Then you cannot qualify for Disability

b.No? Proceed to step 6

6.Able to perform other general types of work available?

a.Yes? Then you cannot qualify for Disability

b.No?You could meet the requirements for Disability according to vocational Factors

What Are the Steps You Need to Take?

Initial Application

The initial application for Social Security Disability should be filed once you have determined that you could qualify for either Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits. The application will require you to submit information regarding all doctors and medical professionals who have treated you regarding your impairment(s) along with information about various medications that you are taking. You can find the application and more information on the Social Security Office’s website here.


Denial Reconiderations and Appeals

The original Social Security application is usually denied, so please do not give up or be deterred! Once the initial application has been denied, you have 60 days from the date you received the decision to file an Appeal for Reconsideration. If your request for reconsideration is also denied, then you have 60 days from the date you received the decision to file an Appeal for an Administrative Law Judge hearing where we represent you and fight for your benefits.