Social Security Disability Income vs. Supplemental Security Benefits

There are many circumstances in which an individual may need government financial assistance and one of those circumstances is the need to apply for social security benefits.  Fortunately, the experienced Attorneys at Pyfer Reese Straub Gray and Farhat are well-versed in these circumstances and recognize when you may be eligible for such benefits.

You’ve likely heard of social security benefits before, but what about supplemental security? Social security is actually accessible to more people than you may realize. Let us parse it out for you.

Social security disability benefits (SSDIB) apply when:

• You were employed for more than 10 years and have accumulated 40 credits (one credit is received for each $1,360 of earning*) AND
• You must have worked for 5 years out of the last 10 years immediately before becoming disabled.  They call it the 20/40 Rule.
• You have a severe medical impairment (physical, mental, or both) which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, AND
• Your medical impairment will prevent you from being substantially employed either full or part-time.

Supplemental security income benefits, however, is less regimented and does not require being a contributor to social security for any set period of time. Much like social security benefits, you must have a documented medical impairment in order to be eligible for supplemental security benefits.

Supplemental security benefits (SSI) are available when:

· You are an individual and have less than $2,000 in assets and countable monthly income below $771.00 for 2019** OR you are a married couple and have less than $3,000 in assets and countable earned income of less than $1,157.00 per month ** AND

• You have a severe medical impairment (physical, mental, or both) which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, AND
• Your medical impairment will prevent you from being substantially employed either full or part-time

*Recognize, these figures are current as of this posting; subject to change by the legislature at any time.

**In essence, countable earned income below the federal benefit rate.

Although generally, you do not need an Attorney when applying for social security or supplemental security benefits, if you believe that you are being unfairly denied these benefits, we encourage you to call the office of Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat at 717.299.7342 for a free consultation with an Attorney [Linda F. Gerencser, Esquire or Gabriella Hashem Farhat, Esquire] that handles social security matters and is knowledgeable about how to assist you in completing your application in order to maximize your potential for an approved claim. Certainly, if you are beyond the application process, and have been denied, and need assistance with the appeal or at the hearing level, we can also help you.   Should we deem your case eligible, we will fight to gain these benefits for you.

~Gabriella Hashem Farhat, Esquire