When a person has a debilitating condition, working every day to make a living isn’t always an option. The good way to support oneself and their family in these instances is to file for SSDI. Making the decision to file for benefits and getting approval is a long and complicated process, so having the assistance of a Knoxville Social Security disability attorney is beneficial.
Understanding Work Credits
To receive SSDI, a person must have worked and paid into the Social Security program. Credits are given based on the yearly wages, and a person earns a maximum of four credits per calendar year.
When filing for disability, the benefit type and the person’s age dictate how many credits are needed to meet the qualifications. Ironically, credits are just the first factor in getting approval, as other requirements must be met.
A Lack of Credits and SSI
If a person doesn’t have sufficient credits, the SSA will deny the application for benefits. However, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. If the household income is within the poverty level, the administration will pay SSI benefits to disabled people if they meet the qualifications.
Supplemental Security Income is a different need-based program where a person doesn’t have a sufficient work history and didn’t pay into Social Security. So, even if a person is disabled with an approved condition, they won’t receive benefits if the household income doesn’t fall within the poverty range.
Making Sense of SSDI and SSI With the Help of a Lawyer
Most folks find it very confusing to understand all the ins and outs of the SSA and their benefit packages for disabilities. If a person doesn’t have sufficient credits, it doesn’t mean they won’t obtain benefits; it just means they won’t get them under the SSDI program.
It’s always good to have a Knoxville Social Security Disability attorney helping with the confusing paperwork who can also answer any questions. Those who need to file for benefits and assistance should contact Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC. Visit Drdisabilitylaw.com for more information!
