Eligibility: In most cases the individual making the claim must have worked five out of the last ten years to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. For younger workers, a different standard applies. No work history is required for Supplemental Security Income.

Appealing denials: You have 60 days, plus a limited number of days for mailing, to appeal initial and second denials. If you miss a deadline to appeal, you will usually have to start over from the beginning. If your claim is denied a second time,
you are given the opportunity to file a Request for Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. The waiting period for your Final Hearing can be lengthy. Currently, the waiting period for a hearing in the Miami Hearing office is averaging 18 to 20 months.

Although approximately 66% of applicants are denied benefits upon their application, the majority of those who appeal their denial are eventually approved. Your chances for success are greater if you are represented by an attorney.

Benefit Amounts: If your claim is approved, the SSD benefit
paid per month is based upon lifetime earnings. Each year, Social Security sends you a statement containing information on estimated benefits. Your local Social Security office can
assist you in estimating your entitlement.

As of April, 2010:
SSD individual max payment per month $ 2000.00 approx
Supplemental Security Income: $ 674.00 maximum
Medicare eligibility (24 months after date of disability)
Medicaid eligibility immediately with SSI

Initial applications for SSD benefits may be made at your local office, or online through Social Security’s website, which is www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability.htm . Feel free to call me personally if we can help in any way or answer any questions.