Best Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Spokane, WA

There are two disability benefits programs offered by the United States Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The first is available to individuals who have paid into Social Security taxes while working over a certain period of time, while the latter provides benefits based on financial need. SSDI benefits are paid to applicants who satisfy a certain criteria (disability and time spent in the workforce), while SSI benefits are typically paid only to individuals who show total rather than partial or short-term disability.

Yes. There are special rules in place set by the government that can help individuals get back to work without jeopardizing the initial benefits they receive. The SSA even allows a trial work period in some cases, in which you can have nine months to test whether or not you will be able to return to work fully. If you are receiving disability benefits, and your condition improves or you return to work, you must notify your local Social Security office.

Once an application for Social Security Disability has been received, it can take anywhere from three to five months for a decision to be made. The time it takes varies depending on the nature of your disability, how quickly medical evidence of your disability can be retrieved from your doctor or other medical sources, whether you must be required to have a medical examination, and whether or not your application is reviewed for quality purposes.

You may not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits even if you meet the requirements for veterans disability. Eligibility for each program is different, and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Consult a Spokane Social Security Disability lawyer if you are unsure about whether or not you may be able to receive benefits in addition to your veterans disability.