Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs give money to people with partial disability or short-term disability, Social Security does not. Because the process can take many months you should apply for benefits with Social Security as soon as you become disabled.
Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program (DIB) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The Disability Insurance Benefits are paid to those who have paid into the system.
Certain members of your family may qualify for benefits based on your work. They include: - Your spouse, if he or she is 62 or older; - Your spouse, at any age if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is younger than age 16 or disabled; - Your unmarried child, including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. The child must be under age 18 or under age 19 if in elementary or secondary school full time; and - Your unmarried child, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22. (The child's disability also must meet the definition of disability for adults.)
The SSI program makes payments to people with low income who are blind or have a disability.
The lawyers at Greg Tuite & Associates are available to handle Social Security Disability cases throughout the region. Unlike some law firms or non-attorney organizations, we ensure that a lawyer will represent you at your hearing. Social Security hearings are legal proceedings that are presided over by a judge and often involve expert witnesses. Social Security Disability and SSI claims are handled on a "contingency fee" bases. We
don't charge a fee unless we are successful in obtaining benefits for
you. The first consultation with our office is free.
Greg Tuite & Associates 119 N. Church St., Suite 407 Rockford, IL 61101