The Social Security Administration (SSA) has two primary programs intended to provide for those who cannot work due to being disabled.
The first program, supplemental security income (SSI), is available for both the elderly and the disabled. SSI benefits are granted on a means-adjusted basis, meaning the greater your need, the greater your benefit.
The other program is known as Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. It is intended for those who have earned a safety cushion should their work cause them to be disabled. SSDI benefits are determined by age, given the assumption that an older worker has paid more taxes, thus deserving more benefits.
Discrepancies with Regard to SSDI Applications
The process of applying for and receiving SSDI benefits can be long and arduous. There is a wealth of information that must be included in an application. Extensive documentation is required to prove that you meet all the necessary criteria for receiving benefits.
What’s more, while there are specific standards for such criteria, they may not always be applied consistently.
A study conducted by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse in 2011 concluded that different judges had different rates of approval for their SSDI applications.
Researchers looked at 155 hearing offices across the country. They found that the percentage of applications accepted varied greatly depending on which judge and office the application wound up in. Despite the fact that applications are spread throughout the federal system on a random basis, predictable trends appeared.
This means that your odds of being approved may not necessarily be correlated with how well you meet the application criteria. You may be in great need and still be denied, as the majority of applicants are.
Lawyers who Understand SSDI Applications
At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we know the ins-and-outs of the Social Security Disability system. We have a proven track record of getting our clients approved for SSDI benefits.
Despite the discrepancies inherent in the system, our skilled and experienced lawyers will expedite the process of filing an SSDI application and make it as painless as possible for you.
Contact us today and see what we can do to help you with your case.