Am I Eligible For Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is extremely complex and inefficient, making it tough for people with legitimate claims to get the benefits they need.

At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, we have been helping clients in Milwaukee and throughout all Wisconsin with SSDI claims. Do not work with an inexperienced lawyer or go through the process alone if you are seeking benefits for Social Security Disability. Attorneys from our firm have extensive experience and knowledge to help you through the process.

Types Of Social Security Benefits

Many people get confused about the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSDI is an insurance program for disabled workers. It is not income-based, and eligibility depends on a number of factors. SSI is an income-based program intended to help blind, elderly, and disabled Americans who are below a certain income level.

Qualifying For Social Security Disability Income Benefits

There are a number of factors involved with qualifying for disability insurance benefits. First, it is necessary that you have been working for a length of time and paying into the program. The amount of benefits you are eligible to receive will depend on the time for which you have been paying.

Second, you have to have a qualifying disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an extensive list of qualifying impairments that include:

• Musculoskeletal
• Special senses and speech
• Respiratory system disabilities
• Cardiovascular system impairments
• Digestive system
• Mental disorders
• Neurological problems
• Other types of disabilities

There are many other potential disabilities that could qualify, and each of these categories has specific types of conditions that qualify. Eligibility requires that the applicant has one of the listed disabilities and that the impairment is severe enough to severely limit the ability to perform basic work activities.

Next, it is essential to establish that the applicant cannot perform other work that exists in significant numbers in the economy, and that he or she cannot perform the same work that has been performed over the past 15 years.

The entire process of eligibility for SSDI is complicated. In addition to having the right type of disability, you will have to prove it to the SSA in exactly the right way. Many legitimate petitions are denied, so it is important to work with a lawyer who knows the process and can help you obtain your much-needed benefits.

Contact Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf

We do not charge for initial consultations, and we handle SSDI claims on contingency, so you will not pay attorney fees unless we are successful. Call us at 414-257-2667 or email us to schedule a consultation at our Milwaukee office or one of our remote office locations throughout Wisconsin.