Supplemental Security Income / Social Security Disability

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly stipend provided to a person who qualifies as aged (65 or older), blind or disabled based on need.  It is paid by the U.S. government. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration and is available to persons, based on income level, if they meet the legal definitions of aged, blind or disabled, reside in the United States or one of its territories and apply for the benefits. These benefits are not conditioned on the recipient’s prior work history.

A disabled person may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, which is typically a higher benefit, if she or he meets the same eligibility criteria needed to qualify for SSI and additionally has enough "work credits" from a prior work history to qualify for this insurance. Typically this means the employee must have worked 5 of the last 10 years and have paid into the Social Security system.  
 
If you believe you are eligible for these benefits and have not worked for 12 months or are not expected to be able to work for a 12-month period, you should contact a Willig, Williams & Davidson SSI/SSDI attorney to discuss eligibility. Our attorneys can help guide you through the application/determination process, which can take many months to navigate successfully. Our fees are set by law at 25 percent of an award, and you do not pay us unless we are successful in obtaining benefits for you.