Hilton, NY Personal Injury Law Firms & Lawyers

You can apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration ("SSA"). There are two basic types of disability benefits Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. To receive either type of benefit you must be "disabled" as that word is used by the SSA. Disabled essentially means you are incapable of working at a job that pays an amount set by SSA. While there are some additional requirements, besides being "disabled" to receive SSDI benefits you must have enough "work credits." To receive SSI benefits, besides being "disabled", you must have "limited" income and resources. Some disabled persons may not qualify for either SSDI or SSI if they do not have enough work credits and have too much in income or resources. Some people may receive both SSDI and SSI benefits. You should file for both types of SSA disability benefits. You can do so online, by telephone or in writing. If your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is denied you can "appeal" the decision. The first appeal is called a "Request for Reconsideration." If your Request for Reconsideration is denied then your next appeal is a Request for a Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. There are additional appeals beyond the Administrative Law Judge hearing. You should consider talking to a social security attorney to learn more about the process and whether you may be eligible for SSA disability benefits.