ESPANOL
You can collect Social Security Disability and state disability at the same time, but you might see a reduction in benefits. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), if you and your family receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, your benefits might be reduced if you also receive disability benefits from state government programs.
You are required to inform SSA officials if you:
- Apply for state or other disability benefits
- Receive other disability benefits
- Receive a lump-sum settlement
- Stop receiving state or other benefits
SSD and state disability systems can be difficult to understand. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand what benefits you might be entitled to receive and help you navigate the complexities involved in receiving simultaneous benefits. Your lawyer can also help you apply for each benefits program you qualify for or appeal an SSA decision if you were denied SSD benefits.
You Can Apply for These State Assistance Programs
If you become disabled and your disability is expected to last a year or longer or result in death, you may apply for disability benefits. The purpose of these benefits is to help you support yourself when you cannot keep working. If you qualify to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you might also be eligible for assistance from your state.
The SSA provides information on applying for benefits like:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as “food stamps”)
- Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
- State or local assistance based on need
When a temporary or permanent disability prevents you from working to support yourself and your family, any form of financial assistance may be worth pursuing. We are committed to helping ease your financial burden and helping you pursue financial benefits you might be entitled to collect.
Understanding Your Social Security Disability Benefits
When you are unable to work, you may apply for SSD benefits. You can apply for two SSD programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program offers monthly financial benefits. However, these two programs differ, in that:
- SSDI is intended to provide monthly financial support to patients with a qualifying work history
- SSI is intended to provide benefits to patients who are elderly, blind, or disabled with insufficient income and resources
SSDI benefits are based on the amount of income you earned that contributed to the Social Security system, while SSI benefits are based on need.
In some cases, disability recipients are entitled to benefits through both disability programs. These are called concurrent benefits. Your Social Security Disability lawyer can help you determine your eligibility for benefits and help you navigate the complex application process.
Learn More About How Your Monthly Payments Are Calculated
If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, the amount of monthly compensation you receive will depend on the type of disability program you qualify for and on whether you receive concurrent benefits. Other benefits you receive, like workers’ compensation, may also affect your monthly benefit amount.
If you also qualify for and receive benefits from programs in your state, they could potentially affect your Social Security Disability payment amounts. Your state might also offer you a state supplement if you receive SSI benefits. You might not receive these benefits if you receive SSDI benefits. Your lawyer can help you check with your state to determine your eligibility and the amount of state supplement payments you qualify for.
You Do Not Have to Navigate the Social Security System on Your Own
Understanding and navigating the Social Security Disability benefits system on your own can be complicated. We understand how overwhelming the benefits process can be, from knowing which forms to fill out to gathering evidence. Our team wants to help you through this complex process. If you choose to work with us, we can:
- Review your disability case at no cost to you
- Help you understand your rights and responsibilities
- Make sure you understand and meet SSA’s disability benefits requirements
- Help you complete and file SSA application forms
If you are denied disability benefits, we may also help you through every step of the appeals process. We work hard so you can focus on recovering from your disability while we take care of everything else.
We Can Help You Apply or Appeal to Receive Benefits You Qualify For
Some people can collect Social Security Disability and state disability at the same time. If you are interested in pursuing disability benefits on both the national and state level, our team is ready to help you explore your options. Contact the client intake team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers.