Often I am asked what is the difference between Disability Insurance Benefits and SSI, and is it important to me? There is a very big difference between the two programs.
Disability Insurance Benefits, ie (DIB), is not a need based program, meaning, it is based on your ability to work, strictly speaking, Are you disabled under the governments rules? To qualify for DIB you first must have worked enough over the last ten years to have enough credits, generally most people collect 4 credits a year, and usually have received 20 credits in the last 5 years. Once you have qualified with enough credits to fall under DIB, you must next be evaluated by the Social Security Administration to determine if you are physically unable to work.
The evaluation of your disability is first made at the application stage, if you are turned down after the first application you may then appeal, this is known as the Reconsideration stage, if you are turned down at that stage, you may then ask for a Federal Administrative Law Judge to hear your case, generally there will be a hearing, and at a later date you will receive notice from the Judge whether he or she approved your claim.
SSI, this is a need based program unlike DIB. SSI takes into account not only your disability, but your assets, things like your home, car, bank accounts, living arrangements, etc. SSI is for individuals that do not qualify for DIB, meaning generally they have not worked enough in the last ten years to have enough credits to qualify for DIB. The process for SSI is much the same as DIB, except along the way your assets can disqualify you from the program.
Please give the law office a call, I would be pleased to speak with you about your claim, you may phone the office at toll free 1 (877) 271-2633 or local at (615) 308-2633. I look forward to hearing from you.
Daniel L. McMurtry, Esq.