The Social Security Administration is a vital aid to people with mental and physical disabilities. These individuals, if they are unable to have jobs and earn incomes, may be able to receive benefits to help them pay for their living expenses. In order to qualify for these benefits, however, applicants need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system an adequate number of years.
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits have existed since 1956. It is designed to aid only people who have severe disabilities that are expected to prevent them from obtaining gainful employment for at least a year or whose conditions are expected to lead to death. This was always designed to be difficult to obtain and highly restrictive because otherwise it would be used too often as a form of unemployment insurance.
When the SSD program first began, it was only available to people who were at least 50 years of age. These days, anyone who is 18 years of age or older — and who has worked a sufficient amount to qualify — can receive financial benefits in the event of a disabling health condition. The average payout for someone receiving SSD benefits is $1,165 at this time and there are approximately nine million individuals receiving these benefits in the United States right now.
If you can’t work because of a health condition, or if your loved one is facing a situation like this, a Social Security Disability attorney can help you prepare your application for benefits. Assistance from an attorney can be very helpful when trying to pursue the maximum amount of benefits available. Your attorney will know what documentation you need and how to best present your case to the disability examiners.
