Social Security Income (SSDI & SSI) Lawyers

Attempting to receive Social Security benefits on your own is an uphill battle. Claims are denied frequently, and without the help of an experienced attorney, you may be left feeling completely hopeless. 

At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we’re dedicated to helping people like you get the Social Security benefits they deserve. These claims are complex, but working with an experienced Social Security attorney will help take the weight off your chest. 

Our team has years of experience helping clients receive compensation for their disabilities. We often work with veterans, helping them to secure benefits from service-related injuries, which can take years and years without the help of an experienced lawyer. 

To learn more about our services and how we can help you get the benefits you deserve as soon as possible, contact us at 1 (800) 320-HELP or contact us online.

Understanding Social Security Disability

Social Security benefits help disabled people receive ongoing compensation as a replacement for work that they can no longer partake in. Social Security benefits are paid for in taxes, meaning that you’ve likely paid into this program in the past. 

Benefits are awarded for disabilities in the following bodily categories: 

• Musculoskeletal system, such as amputations, chronic joint pain, spinal disorders
• Special senses and speech, such as hearing or sight impairment 
• Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or COPD
• Cardiovascular illnesses, including arrhythmia, heart failure, congenital heart disease

• Digestive system, including bowel or liver diseases

• Chronic kidney disease

• Blood disorders, such as anemia, hemophilia, or sick cell disease

• Skin disorders, such as burns or dermatitis

• Endocrine disorders, most commonly diabetes, and thyroid problems 

• Congenital disorders, such as Down syndrome and other disorders that affect multiple systems 

• Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, MS, ALS, or epilepsy

• Cognitive and mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and more

• Cancer

• Immune system diseases, like HIV, arthritis, or lupus 

Let’s take a look at the difference between the two Social Security benefits programs and what they offer.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits for people who have received enough work credits. Work credits are accumulated by paying Medicare and Social Security taxes. 

You’re likely eligible for these benefits if you’ve worked five out of the last ten years. This benefits program pays out compensation based on your past earnings, so the amount you receive will depend on your personal work history. 

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Social Security Income (SSI) doesn’t rely on a work credit system, as it’s intended for people who have less work history or haven’t paid as much into the Social Security system. 

With SSI, the amount of compensation you receive is not dependent on the amount of money you made in the past. Instead, it’s based on your financial assets, household income, and any other benefits or income you receive. 

What is the Difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSI and SSDI are fairly similar programs. They both help people who are in need of financial assistance because of a disability. Both programs use the same rubric to determine one’s disability, and both programs require overwhelming and stressful applications. 

However, they differ when it comes to funding, requirements, and eligibility. 

• SSDI benefits are paid for by taxpayers, while SSI benefits are funded by federal tax revenue. 
• SSI benefits are needs-based, so your income and assets will be taken into account as a part of your application. SSDI benefits are provided based on your past earnings. 
• To be eligible for SSDI, you need to have a certain number of work credits. To be eligible for SSI, you need to be able to showcase your need. 

Why Choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia for Your SSDI/SSI Claims

Our team of experienced Social Security lawyers have years and years of experience working with Social Security benefits applications, and we know just how stressful the process can be. 

We are committed to helping our clients get the outcome that they deserve and will work passionately in order to make it happen. We often work with veterans, helping them get benefits from service-related injuries. We definitely have the experience pushing to get an application approved, appealing claim denials, and maximizing benefits for our clients. 

But don’t take it from us. Here are what some of our clients have to say: 

• “Excellent organization! I was lost with navigating the VA disability system and turned to them for help. Exceeded my expectations in every way. If you are a veteran looking for help with the VA, these are your guys.” – Billy N. 
• “I worked with Robert Fanning and Melissa Medina for my VA disability claim. They were very knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful in guiding me through the process. They were able to assist me in getting very favorable results in a timely manner. I would recommend this firm to anyone considering this process.” – Mike P. 

SSDI: Eligibility, Application, and Appeals

In order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have a certain number of work credits. Depending on your age, the number of credits required may change. Generally, 40 credits are required. 20 of those credits must have been earned within the last 10 years, ending with the year your disability began. 

As of 2024, you receive 1 credit for every $1,730 earned, with a maximum of 4 credits earned per year. If you’ve worked 5 out of the past 10 years, you’re likely eligible for SSDI. 

It’s important to keep in mind that you won’t receive benefits until the 6th full month of disability. This means that after a five-month waiting period, which starts on the first full month after the date they decide your disability began, you’ll be able to receive your benefits. If your disability results from ALS, this waiting period is waived. 

In order to apply for benefits, you’ll need to apply online or by calling Social Security’s toll-free number. Using their online portal to submit your application is the best bet, but the even better bet is to have an experienced attorney help you fill it out to prevent mistakes or errors that could cost you precious time and money.  

To appeal a denied SSDI claim, you’ll need to submit an appeal from their online portal. From there, you’ll have a hearing to determine the outcome of your claim. 

SSI: Understanding Eligibility, Application, and Appeals

In order to receive Social Security Insurance benefits, you’ll need to prove that you have the need. This means that you’ll only be approved for these benefits if you have little to no income or resources. You’ll also need to be able to prove that you’re disabled (or over the age of 65). 

If you earn more than $1,971 per month, you generally won’t be accepted into the Social Security Insurance program. If you make less, however, it’s worth applying for. 

In your application, you’ll need to prove that:

• Your disability will affect your ability to work for more than a year or 
• Will result in your death, or 
• Severely limits daily activity (for children with disabilities). 

In both programs, appealing a denied claim is incredibly important. Claims can be denied for minuscule reasons, and having an attorney by your side to strengthen your claim, attend hearings, and work with Social Security will make it much easier to complete the appeals process. 

How Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Can Help

At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we’re dedicated to helping those with disabilities get the ongoing support and compensation that they deserve in order to maintain their livelihood. 

We offer a variety of legal services throughout the process. The earlier you start working with us, the easier (and faster) your claim will be. Services we offer for SSI/SSDI applicants include:

• Filling out the initial application details 
• Gathering medical evidence 
• Representing them at hearings 
• Appealing denied claims 

Working with a lawyer for SSDI/SSI cases is extremely important, as these claims can be time-consuming and stressful. One little mistake can end up costing months when a claim is denied for no clear reason. 

By working with the Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia team, you won’t have to worry about small errors costing you months. 

Contacting Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia

To learn more about our team or to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Social Security attorneys, please contact us at 1-800-320-HELP or by using our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits?

Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. However, there are strict limits on how much you can earn while receiving these benefits. 

What should I do if my SSDI or SSI claim is denied?

If your SSI or SSDI claim is denied, you should file an appeal within 60 days from the date you received your denial notice. 

How do I prepare for my disability hearing?

To prepare for your disability hearing, gather all recent medical advice and information about your condition, practice answering questions about your disability and how it affects your life, and speak with an SSI/SSDI lawyer about representation. 

How much does it cost to hire an SSDI/SSI lawyer?

Hiring an SSI/SSDI lawyer involves no upfront fees, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. They take a percentage from the backpay that you are awarded. This fee is currently capped to the lesser amount of 25% or $7,200. The Social Security Administration plans to raise this cap to $9,200 in 2024.