Outcomes in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Claims
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims typically have one of two outcomes: Favorable (fully or partial) or Unfavorable – though various combination of benefits can occur. When a person applies for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), he or she typically files a dual claim: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both of these programs require that the person meet medical and certain non-medical requirements in order to qualify for benefits. SSDI requires that claimants pay in enough quarters of coverage over his/her lifetime and that a certain number of quarters have been paid in the years preceding the disability. SSI’s non-medical requirement looks at the individual or family resources or income. Again, both programs require that the person meet the medical requirements for disability.
Most claimants do end up fighting over the medical requirements and ultimately go to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge where the decision is either favorable or unfavorable. However, not all decisions are created equal and sometimes a judge may award a closed period of disability or a disability beginning at a different date than claimed by the applicant. If the claimant loses, or receives an unfavorable decision, she can appeal to the Appeals Council and further up to Federal Court.
If someone is successful in their disability claim and they receive social security disability, they will receive a monthly amount called a Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is based on calculations from how much the person paid in over his/her lifetime. After two years of eligibility, the person also will receive Medicare. Under SSI, the claimant can receive up to $730.00 per month and TennCare. In some situations, individuals can receive both SSDI and SSI though most often if someone has worked for a long period of time and has a high enough PIA, they will only receive SSDI.
If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI matter, personal injury matter (car wreck, boating accident, slip and fall, etc.), EEOICPA claim, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611, through our website.