There are two separate programs that individuals can apply for. The first is Social Security Disability (SSD). This type of benefit plan is for those who are unable to maintain gainful employment because of some disabling condition. What does this statement mean? I will not post numbers because the annual income amount changes from year to year, but this requirement means that an individual may be employed, “part time”. As long as the amount of yearly income that the individual makes is below that amount, they can still be considered not able to be gainfully employed.

How does Social Security determine a claim?

There are two ways that an individual can have a meritorious claim. First, an individual can meet or equal a listing. Social Security has on their website what is called listings, part A listings are for adult claims, Part B listings are for adolescent claims. In order to meet a listing, the individual needs to meet every part of the listing. In addition to having meet the physical or mental requirements, the individual must have medical documentation to “back up” their claim. Plus, that condition needs to be unlikely to improve in the near future, which would render the applicant able to work because of the health improvement. The second way that a claim is determined is under the “Grid”. The grid is just that, a grid, which Social Security has published that lists a number of different aspects. First is age. Social Security does not state ages but instead lists ages according to category such as advanced age or closely approaching advanced age. Next is listed the educational level that the applicant has, which includes transferable skills. Finally is the level of work that the applicant is able to perform. Categories are listed such as light, moderate, or heavy. The applicant should first compare their prior work to these categories and then compare themselves to every job in the national economy. The final column lists if the applicant is disabled or not.

Social Security (SSI)

The second type of benefits that an indvidal can get from social security is Supplimental Security Income (SSI). The disadvantage to SSI is that you need to have worked 40 quarters to be eligible for these benefits. The rules are almost the same as SSD but their is more of an emphasis on you current income and net worth. It is important to note that one car and one home are “exempt” in most cases when determinig net worth. Therefore if you have a good deal of assets in some “investment”, it might be wise to invest that money in your house or a new car before applying. Always wanted hardwood floors? It’s a good time to put them in. Money from SSI is intended to help indviduals get through life who have paid into the system who are over the age of 65 or disabled. This money is intented to pay for daily living expenses for those who generally make less that $2,000 monthly as an individual or $3,000 with their spouse. This money differs from SSD which is intended to pay medical bills and expenses to accomidate a medical condition. The surest way to be denied SSI is to not have paid into the system for 10 years, after that, if you qualify finacially and qualify for SSD, you will most surely qualify for SSI. Good luck with your claims…please feel free to post any questions you may have in the comments.