Tennessee Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Overview
When a person is disabled and unable to work, there are a variety of private, state, and federal programs that may offer financial assistance. The most well-known is Social Security Disability, a federal program that provides long-term benefits to those people who are unable to work permanently or for a period greater than one year. Anyone who has paid enough in social security taxes (has paid into the system in at least 20 of the last 40 quarters) is eligible to file a claim for Social Security Disability if they become disabled.
The program is administered by the Social Security Administration, which is often overwhelmed by the number of claims that it receives. It is currently estimated that over 9 million people are on disability and that 2 million people file claims for benefits every year. With so many claims to manage, it may seem that your claim is being ignored or delayed. The best way to ensure that your claim is properly handled is to have a Social Security Disability attorney on your side.
The Social Security Disability lawyers of Terry, Terry, and Stapleton have the experience and knowledge to help you with this process. We represent clients throughout Tennessee, including Rogersville, Newport, Morristown, Knoxville, Kingsport, Johnson City, Jefferson City and Greeneville. Call us today at 1-800-518-3779 for help with your disability case.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits is complex and can be quite difficult. It is not uncommon for an individual seeking Social Security Disability benefits to have his or her application denied. If that happens, the person may apply for an administrative hearing, which includes a review of the relevant medical records and requires the applicant’s testimony. A lawyer’s assistance with such a hearing can be invaluable.
It is important to note that there are two separate benefit programs that pay Social Security Disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance ( SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income ( SSI). The eligibility requirements for each are quite different. SSDI is available for individuals who have worked in recent years and are now disabled. Eligibility for SSI disability benefit payments is solely based on financial need, regardless of an individual’s work history.
To be eligible for SSDI, you must be totally disabled. Your disability must prevent you from doing any "substantial gainful work” and must be expected to last at least twelve months or to result in death. The amount of the payment provided under Social Security Disability is based upon an employee’s income while they were able to work. If the disability is a total and permanent condition, an individual can collect Social Security Disability benefits until they reach age 65, at which time the benefits convert to Social Security Retirement benefits.
The Social Security Disability program also allows benefits for adult children as well as widows or widowers. Like SSDI benefits for injured workers, these benefits are awarded based on a review of Social Security earnings and are not affected by financial status.
- Disabled Adult Child Benefits are for the children (disabled before age 22) of persons who are deceased or who are drawing Social Security Disability or retirement benefits.
- Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who are at least 50 years old and become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their spouse who has paid into the Social Security system.
If you have questions about applying for Social Security Disability, or if you feel that your application has been unfairly denied, you should seek legal counsel. The Tennessee law firm of Terry, Terry, and Stapleton is ready and able to assist you.
From our offices in Morristown, we offer our sincere dedication to helping people receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Please feel free to contact one of our Tennessee Social Security Disability attorneys toll free at 1-800-518-3779 or via our online form to discuss your claim.
