Disabled man going to the social security office

An Overview of SSI and SSDI in Texas

If you suffer from a disability, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) or Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). Both options offer financial assistance to individuals who suffer from specific medical conditions. Below is an overview of these two programs. If you are a Texas resident who suffers from a disability, please contact a Social Security disability benefits attorney to explore your options.

Social Security Disability Insurance 

SSDI benefits are available to disabled people between the ages of 18 and 65 who have previously paid into the Social Security system through tax deductions. In order to qualify, an individual must meet specific age and employment requirements.

Supplemental Security Income 

SSI benefits are available to individuals who have limited financial resources and are either disabled, blind, or over the age of 66. In addition, individuals who suffer from certain impairments and are under the age of 18 may also be eligible for benefits. However, in order to qualify for SSI benefits, an individual must fall within a certain income and asset level.

Qualifying for SSDI and SSI

An important thing to understand about SSDI is that you must suffer from a qualifying condition and have earned a specific number of work credits in order to be eligible for the program. Examples of qualifying conditions include:

  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Sense and speech issues
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Mental disorders
  • Respiratory problems
  • Neurological disorders
  • Skin disorders
  • Immune system disorders
  • Cancer
  • Hematological disorders

Although the above list is far from exhaustive, it gives a general idea of the types of conditions covered by SSDI. However, even if your condition isn’t considered qualifying, you may still be eligible for SSDI based on a review of your claim by the Social Security Administration. And even if you’re unable to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may still be eligible for SSI. Therefore, if you suffer from a medical condition of any kind that has left you unable to work, you should explore your options by contacting a Texas SSDI and SSI attorney

Amount and Duration of Benefits

The amount of benefits you receive is based on your average lifetime earnings. Once you’ve been approved for benefits, you’ll continue to receive them for as long as your medical condition persists. Following approval, the Social Security Administration will conduct a review every three years to determine the status of your condition. 

Contact Our El Paso SSDI and SSI Attorney 

If you would like to begin the SSDI or SSI application process, you should contact a Texas SSDI and SSI attorney for assistance. When you hire attorney Jon Sipes to assist you with your Texas SSDI or SSI claim, you can rest assured that he will utilize his extensive legal experience and understanding of the Social Security disability benefits process to help you obtain a just result. Jon Snipes regularly helps disabled individuals obtain disability benefits in El Paso and surrounding Texas communities, and he knows what it takes to qualify under the SSDI and SSI programs. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.