Best Disability Attorneys in Denver, CO

The Social Security Administration has many different disability programs. The most common disability benefit programs are Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Insurance. To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a claimant must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to medically determinable impairments (physical, mental or both). Claimants must also have 20 quarters of coverage within the last 40 quarters before becoming disabled. 20 quarters of coverage typically equates to five years of steady work within the last ten years. When claimants are awarded SSDI benefits, they qualify for Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSA can pay retroactive benefits, or backpay, up to one year prior to a claimant’s application date. To be eligible for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), a claimant must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to medically determinable impairments (physical, mental or both). SSI is a federal welfare program for disabled individuals with very limited income and resources. $2000 or less for one person and $3000 or less for a couple. When claimants are awarded SSI, they will receive Medicaid immediately and benefits start at the date of the claimant’s application.