The process of applying for disability and navigating the unfamiliar waters of the Social Security Administration can be both scary and stressful.  We’d like to take a minute to help you gain an understanding of what some of these terms mean and what you can expect from this process.

Let’s start by identifying the two basic programs that we can assist you with (Social Security disability and/or Supplemental Security Income).

The Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.  While these two programs differ in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

The fundamentals of each of these programs are:

Social Security disability pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning that you’ve earned enough “credits” by working long enough and paying enough Social Security taxes.

Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

We’ll get into more specifics in our upcoming posts, but if you have questions or need assistance with any potential claims, please call us immediately at (352) 629-7511.

(source: Social Security Administration)