Todd M. Berk, Esq.

A Look at the Available Types of Social Security Disability

When some people think of Social Security Disability benefits, they imagine a uniform system that applies to all disabled individuals. However, since there are many degrees of disability, there are also many kinds of disability benefits. Here’s a brief look at the most common types of Social Security Disability and how they might relate to you:

• Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the kind of disability that most people are familiar with. If you receive an injury that leaves you unable to work, SSDI can help you with your basic living expenses. However, you need to have paid into the system through payroll taxes in order to qualify.

• Disabled Widow and Widower Benefits

If you’re over the age of 50 and become disabled within 7 years of your spouse’s death, you may be eligible for disabled widow or widower benefits. In order to receive these benefits, your diseased spouse needs to have earned the required number of Social Security credits through payroll taxes.

• Children’s Disability Benefits

If you have children who rely on your income, then being suddenly unable to work can create a tremendous problem. Once you begin receiving your disability benefits, your children may become eligible to receive disability benefits as well. How much your children receive depends on your own disability benefits and how much you earned before you became disabled.

• Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is reserved for those who are technically fit enough to work but don’t quite make enough to live on. In order to be eligible for SSI, you need to be over 65, blind, or disabled; a citizen of the United States; and beneath the income cutoff.

If you’d like to learn more about the various Social Security Disability benefits, contact Social Security lawyer Todd M. Berk, Esq. If you’re legitimately unable to work, there’s a good chance that you’re eligible for at least one of these benefits. For more information, call (215) 687-4432 today. 

Your Social Security FAQ's: Answered

Most American workers are proud of their financial independence. Though this is part of what makes our nation strong, it means that some of us are too proud to accept help from the Social Security Administration. However, we all need a little help sometimes. Here are the answers to a few questions you may have about Social Security benefits: 

• Am I eligible for benefits?

In order to be eligible for benefits, you need to be mentally or physically unable to obtain gainful employment or suffer from an ailment that is expected to result in death within 12 months. You also need to have paid into the system through payroll taxes for a period of time that is based on your age.

• Do I have to wait to apply?

You can and should apply for disability benefits immediately after you become disabled—even if you have a considerable amount of savings. Since the process of obtaining benefits often takes time, it helps to get an early start.

• How do I apply?

The best way to apply for benefits is to visit your local Social Security office and file a claim in person. Before you do, however, it’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced Social Security attorney. An attorney can determine which particular benefits you’re eligible for and vastly improve your chances of getting approved.   

• What if my application is denied?  

Having your initial application denied is no reason to panic. The Social Security Administration often denies seemingly valid claims the first time in order to deter would-be scam artists. If you haven’t already, you should hire a lawyer and begin the appeal process immediately.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Though the Social Security Administration is an incredibly important part of our government, it sometimes makes errors when processing thousands of applications, sifting out fraudulent requests, and getting benefits to those who need it. 

• How much do you stand to gain in Social Security benefits? Find out with this handy benefits calculator from the American Association of Retired Persons.
• The Social Security system can seem incredibly complicated sometimes. Read this article from Reuters.com to learn more.
• Have you recently lost a loved one? Less this page from HelpGuide.org help you cope with your grief.
• If the main wage earner in your family has recently passed away, you could be eligible for Social Security Survivors benefits. Learn more at this page from the Social Security Administration.
• Do you have any more questions about Social Security? Have them answered at this page from the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. 

If your application gets denied or lost, you’ll be glad to know that Todd M. Berk Esq. can help you get the benefits you need. For more information, call (215) 687-4432.

Fantastic New Review for Todd Berk and Staff of the Todd Berk Law Firm in Philadelphia

Hear Real Stories of How Social Security Helps People

Unforeseen circumstances can make life very difficult. This is where Social Security disability benefits come in to play and helps individuals and families who sometimes are not able to help themselves. 

In this short video from Social Security Online, several people discuss their experiences with Social Security. Some of the elderly people in this video recall a time before Social Security, when families received nothing after their chief wage earner died. Luckily, Social Security today allows millions of people to life comfortable, happy lives.

If you believe that you’re eligible for Social Security benefits, contact the law office of Todd M. Berk, Esq. Though immensely helpful, the Social Security Administration often has trouble determining who needs benefits. If you call Todd M. Berk at (215) 687-4432, he’ll help the SSA see the importance and significance of your needs.