

CAHN & ROHRBERGER
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Social Security Disability Benefits for Adults
Important Questions:
What is the benefit and am I candidate?
What do I need to prove to get the benefit?
How do I get started?
Do I need an attorney, and how do attorneys get paid?
Is there any expense to applying?
Does it mean I can't work at all?
Does it mean that I am labeled for life?
What are barriers to receiving benefits?
If I apply for Disability benefits, aren't I abusing the system?
What is the benefit and am I candidate?
The benefit is a monthly check designed to help you get by during the period of your long term disability (12 months or more). Once you put in an application, Social Security will do a preliminary screening to determine whether you are a candidate for the benefit. In general, you will be considered a candidate for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI and/or SSI) programs if you fit into any one or more of the following groups:
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You worked and paid taxes on your earnings for a good portion of the 10 years before you became disabled, fewer years if you are under 30;
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You have been disabled since before you turned 22 and one or both of your parents worked and has passed away or is receiving disability and/or retirement benefits from Social Security;
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You are extremely poor and, if married, household income is very low. (If single – fewer than $2,000 in non-exempt assets; if married, fewer than $3,000 in non-exempt assets); or
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You are the surviving spouse of a deceased wage earner and you are claiming disability within seven years of your spouse’s passing and/or within seven years of your minor aged children reaching majority, and you are at least 50 years old but not yet 60.