What is SSDI

Pittsburgh Social Security Lawyer

People often confuse Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with supplemental security income (SSI). The best way to think of the difference is to get a better understanding of the federal Social Security system.

SSDI is not a social welfare system. When you work for an employer, a portion of your paycheck is automatically paid into the federal Social Security system. In effect, you are paying for an insurance plan owned and operated by the federal government. If you become permanently disabled due to injury or illness, you may be eligible to receive monthly payments. While workers’ compensation and long-term disability benefits typically have a time limitation, SSDI benefits may be paid for the remainder of your working life, until retirement age.

Who Is Eligible?

Generally, anyone who has paid into the SSDI system through payroll deduction or direct payments (if self-employed) within the previous 10 years prior to the date of the certified disability. SSDI is a type of insurance program. You are not applying for welfare; you are applying for benefits you have paid for through your paycheck.

What is the SSDI Application Process?

Although most people who have suffered a disability are eligible for SSDI payments, the Social Security Administration typically denies a large percentage of first-time claims, often on technicalities or because they need further proof of the extent of the disability. There is a one-year waiting period following the date of certified disability before the Social Security board will allow the payment of benefits. You should not wait 12 months before filing your application, however. Get your application into the system as early as possible.

Handling Complex Details

Getting an SSDI application process is cumbersome and often frustrating. Accident reports and medical records must be collected and the forms must be completed absolutely correctly and completely. The SSDI law offices of Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., handles every detail of your claim. We will accept SSDI clients no matter how far along in the process you may be. That includes initial claims and appeals for a denied claim. We will work with you to ensure you are ready to tell your story before the authorities.

Cost of Working With an Experienced Professional

By federal law, attorneys handling SSDI claims and appeals on behalf of clients cannot charge fixed attorneys’ fees for their services. All fees are paid as a percentage of the actual amount of monthly benefits conferred. By law, law firms cannot charge more than 25 percent of the monthly benefit amount.

Learn more about SSI and SSDI at these information pages:

Free Consultation · No Attorneys’ Fees Unless You Receive SSDI Benefits

What is SSDI? Call us to learn more about your particular case. We represent clients in communities throughout the Greater Northern Pittsburgh metro region and throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. Call us toll-free at 1-800-777-4081 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh Social Security Disability Insurance benefits attorney today.