Social Security Disability Lawyer in Dothan
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits in Alabama
Although most people do not plan on a disability, individuals who work for more than 20 years have a 30 percent chance of becoming disabled. If you live in Alabama and become disabled or have minor children under the age of 18 who are disabled, you or your children may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Although you do not need to have a lawyer to file for benefits, a qualified social security disability lawyer can help you determine what type of benefits you are eligible to receive and improve your chances of being awarded benefits.
Understanding Social Security disability benefits
There are two major types of benefits offered by the Social Security Administration to individuals who are disabled. Some of these benefits may be extended to family members as well. Tommy R. Scarborough, as your Dothan disability attorney, can evaluate your claim and explain the types of benefits for which you may be eligible.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
These benefits are based on your work history and your Social Security earnings record. If you have worked in recent years but are now disabled, you may be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, there are certain criteria that you must meet, including the severity of the disability in terms of mental or physical incapacity and your inability to work your current or other type of job.
These benefits may also extend to family members meeting Social Security qualifications:
- Disabled widows and widowers—if you are over 50 and became disabled within seven years of your spouse's death and your late spouse worked enough under Social Security to be insured
- Children—if they are under 18 or between 18 and 19 and in grade 12 or less
- Disabled adult child—if you can prove the child has been disabled since birth or before turning age 22
Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)
This type of Social Security benefit is not based on work history, but rather on need. If you are low income and disabled, you may qualify for SSI. As indicated by its name, this type of income benefit is often a supplement to SSDI and is based on your overall income and resources. Under these benefits, a child who is disabled may also receive SSI benefits.
Although you typically apply for one type of benefits, there may be certain situations in which you have a concurrent claim. For example, if you apply for SSI benefits, you may also qualify for SSDI. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer in Dothan can help you determine the benefits for which you may qualify.
How to apply for Social Security disability benefits in AL
In order to apply for Social Security benefits, you must file an application, which then goes through a disability determination process. You must submit reports of your medical condition and any tests, treatments or doctor's visits related to your disability.
The application process can be overwhelming. As a skilled lawyer in Social Security disability benefits, Tommy R. Scarborough can assess your situation and help to ensure you meet the necessary requirements in order to receive SSDI or SSI. He can help you through the process of submitting medical claims substantiating your disability and your inability to continue work.
Call a reliable Dothan Social Security Disability lawyer
If you need professional legal assistance with your Social Security disability claim, contact the law office of Tommy R. Scarborough, LLC online or call us for a free legal consultation toll free at (877) 314 - 9793 today.
