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Eligibility for SSD vs. SSI
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Have Questions about Qualifying for SSD & SSI?

Our Sacramento Disability Lawyers Can Determine if You Are Eligible for Social Security Benefits

When people come to our law offices at Smolich and Smolich, one of the first questions they often ask is "Am I eligible for social security benefits?" We can answer these questions and, whether you are preparing to file an initial application or have already submitted one and have been denied, we can help you work towards obtaining the benefits you need.

Our Sacramento Social Security Disability attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to assist you from the initial application through the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing and Appeals Council. Contact Smolich and Smolich today to learn more.

Our firm can help you:

  • Determine if you are eligible to receive SSD or SSI benefits, or both
  • Properly prepare and file your initial application
  • Fight a denied application through the appeals process

What’s the Difference Between SSD and SSDI?

The primary difference between the two is how people qualify for the programs.

  • SSI qualification is determined based on need-based assistance. This includes limited income, resources, and your age and disability.
  • SSDI qualification is determined based on work credits that contributed to Social Security taxes.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits

The first eligibility criterion for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is, of course, that you worked, contributed Social Security taxes, and earned sufficient credits to be insured. The second criterion is proving that you are disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act. Medical documentation and other evidence must prove your disability. Without quality legal assistance, many initial applications are denied because the disability is not clearly presented.

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to disabled individuals and those aged 65 or older. The eligibility requirements are more strict than SSD, and often times, the benefits are not as substantial. To qualify for SSI, you must meet both medical and non-medical rules. Under the non-medical rules, whether or not you can get SSI depends on your income and resources (the things you own). However, there is no requirement that sufficient credits be earned from your work history. Of course, under the medical rules, the disability must still be proven.

Let our Sacramento Social Security Disability lawyers help you by calling us today at (916) 571-0400. We offer free initial consultations for all new clients.

Contact Smolich and Smolich Today!

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  • "“You don’t have to worry with Smolich by your side”"
    I want to thank Smolich and Smolich for helping me get my Social Security Disability. The continued support I received from them from beginning to the end help me to stay calm thru the whole process. I couldn’t have done it without them. Marlena Jones, thank you for being so kind when I call the office with questions. I appreciate you. YOU GUYS ARE SO AWESOME !!!!!
    Modesto, CA
  • "Fantastic and Wonderful"
    Sarah Greer and Sam Eldaly from Smolich & Smolich are a fabulous team to work with. I had to apply for SSDI due to my Parkinsons and they handled it not only a professionals but as if they were sitting across the table from me in person the entire time. They are a dynamite team! I highly recommend them to anyone for a fantastic and timely managed experience. Thank you Smolich & Smolich!
    Barbara Light
    Citrus Heights, CA
  • "I am so happy to have such knowledgeable and helpful people to help during this difficult time. Sam was super responsive and always willing to answer questions, regardless how big or small."
    My circumstances were a bit unusual - my husband applied for Social Security Disability, but unfortunately passed away during the review process. Sam and Sarah worked diligently to see the case through to the end, and provide our family the benefits we were owed. A special thank you to Sam, he was always very responsive, willing to go above and beyond, and willing to answer questions whether big or small. Thank you, Smolich and Smolich!
    Smolich and Smolich is so helpful!
    Sacramento, CA
  • "You were so proactive and informative, you really did take away so much of my stress during the whole process."
    I sincerely apologize for the delay! I truly thought I had already sent this off to almost 3 months ago! Thank goodness I had someone helping me clean and organize the apartment last week. She found your letter behind my bookcase. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank you for your support and dedication throughout my case. You were a true blessing to me. You were so proactive and informative, you really did take away so much of my stress during the whole process. Just the fact that you returned a call so promptly was a very big deal to me. It let me know that I mattered to you, Sarah, and the firm. Thanks to the two of you I am finally settled in my own apartment and my mom was able to finally retire. So again, thank you from the depths of my heart for everything that you personally and your firm have done for me. You were true angels in my tie of need.
    Mandie O'Malley
  • "Thank you Sarah and team!"
    I needed to apply for disability and knew nothing about how to go about it. Sarah called me and explained the process and assured me everything would be okay. Her staff went online to fill out my application. She and Marlena kept me updated every step of the way. Within a short time a decision was made in my favor. I cannot tell you how many sleepless nights I had prior to meeting with the team. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help in this area. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Without you I could have never done this.
    Andrea
    Stockton, CA
  • "They know what it takes to win. Thank you all so much!"
    Thank you so much for your help. I was denied twice by social security disability. They are the most diligent and wonderfully. Yes it takes a while to get a hearing. If it wasn't for the great staff and attorneys here, I would have never been approved for disability. It was the best Christmas gift i received. They know what it takes to win. Thank you all so much!
    Nanci Stewart