Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is a form of long-term disability insurance administered by the federal government.  A portion of every worker’s income is withheld from the workers’ wages and paid to the federal government. For most people the withheld funds are returned in the form of retirement benefits.

Those workers who, due to illness or injury, cannot work until retirement age are entitled to receive disability benefits commencing when they become unable to work. The disability benefits have been paid for with the money withheld from the workers’ paycheck. People who are awarded Social Security disability benefits also receive health insurance in the form of Medicare commencing two years after they become unable to work.

People who have not paid into the system but who are unable to work due to illness or injury may qualify for Supplemental Security Income. Initially, these people need to prove that they cannot work. In addition, the injured or ill person has to prove that they are extremely poor. The individual who receives Supplemental Security Income also receives health insurance in the form of Medicaid benefits.

As is the case with Workers’ Compensation, these simple ideas have become complex in practice. The individual claim is initially decided after an examination of the paperwork and medical records submitted by the person who is unable to work. If the individual is turned down after a paper review, he or she has a right to have their case heard by an administrative law judge. The judge is not bound by the previous decision.

An experienced attorney can frequently change the result either of the paperwork review level or at the hearing before the administrative law judge. Simple things such as being able to promptly obtain medical records and provide them to Social Security Administration are extremely important. More complex skills, for example, understanding medical records, court procedure and the now complex laws controlling Social Security Cases are even more important. The Law office of Francis K. Culkin, Esq. provides assistance and guidance to our Social Security clients from the earliest stages of their cases. We provide individualized intelligent attention to assist our clients in successfully concluding a struggle that takes place in the worst moments of their lives.