| Types of Disabilities & Disability Benefits
There are primarily two types of
disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration
(SSA).
Social Security Disability (SSD) is a benefit program for those
who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for five out of the last 10
years, and are now totally disabled due to illness or
injury.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to those who are
totally disabled and whose income and assets fall within certain limits. No
previous work history is required for SSI. In some cases, children can obtain
SSI benefits.
For either SSD or SSI, in most cases you must be able to
prove that you can no longer perform your former job or any other type of work
because of your disability. Your condition must also be one that will last 12
months or longer.
There are some exceptions to these requirements and
there are also other types of disability benefits available through the SSA, so
it’s best to check with our office if you have questions about your eligibility
for benefits.
Types of Disabling Conditions
Some of the
disabling conditions that can make you eligible for Social Security Disability
or SSI include:
- Back problems
- Psychological problems
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & other immune
system disorders
- Cancer
- AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
What You Can Expect To Collect
For SSD, the Social Security Administration uses a
formula based on your average lifetime earnings and the total number of years
you have worked to calculate the SSD benefit amount.
As of
August 2005, the
average SSD benefit amount is $898 per month; you can receive up to a maximum of
approximately $2056 per month, depending on your past earnings. If you have a
family, they could receive additional benefits, up to 50 percent of your own
monthly benefit amount.
For SSI, your benefit amount depends on your
living arrangement, the assets you own, and any income you receive. As of 2002,
in New York State, the maximum SSI benefit is $666.
Contact us now
for help with your Social Security Disability or SSI claim.
|
