If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, have been denied your initial claim, or have questions about any part of the process, please refer to this list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have further questions regarding your individual Social Security Disability case, please contact a Michigan personal injury attorney right away.

1. What is the definition of a disability?
According to the Social Security Administration, an employee is considered disabled only if he meets certain criteria. First, a disabled person must have a severe impairment that has lasted, or will last, for at least twelve months. Second, an employee must be unable to perform his work or the work he has done in the past, for which he earned at least $900.00 per month, in order to be considered disabled. Lastly, a disabled person must also be unable to perform other types of work related to his field of expertise or ability. If a person’s impairment does not prevent him from doing related work, he will not be considered disabled.

2. How do I apply for Social Security Disability benefits?
Because the application process is different for each person depending on their individual case, it is recommended that you first consult an experienced team of Michigan Social Security Disability lawyers. At Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman, P.C., an attorney can answer all of your Social Security Disability questions and help you avoid costly mistakes while applying for benefits.

3. What do I do if Social Security denies my claim for Social Security Disability benefits?
Thankfully, the Social Security Administration has a series of steps that can be taken to appeal the initial denial of benefits. Because the appeal procedure can be very complex and any errors can significantly delay the approval of your claim, you should first call an attorney to discuss the Michigan Social Security Disability appeals process. Contact the attorneys at Zamler, Mellen & Shiffman, P.C. to receive guidance and support during your appeal.

4. What are the different types of Social Security benefits available to me?

a. Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD)
In order to qualify for SSD benefits, the injured worker must have been gainfully employed for at least 5 of the previous 10 years. It is also important to keep accurate, up to date medical records in order to prove your injury is preventing you from working your current job or another related job.
b. Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI)
Because SSI is a needs-based program, there are no work requirements that must be met in order to receive benefits. Instead, SSI benefits are awarded to disabled individuals based on the amount of their total household assets, including income and other resources.
c. Disabled Widow’s or Widower’s Benefits
These benefits are paid to individuals who are at least 50 years old and have become disabled within a certain time period following the death of their spouse. The late husband or wife must have also been working long enough to be eligible to receive Social Security benefits, as defined by the Social Security Administration.
d. Disabled Adult Child Benefits
These benefits are awarded to children over the age of 18 with a disability impairment that started before the age of 22. In order to receive these benefits, the child’s parent must be deceased or currently receiving Social Security Disability or Retirement benefits.

5. How much can I collect from Social Security?
The amount you can collect from Social Security Disability (SSD) depends on the total amount you have paid into the Social Security system. Benefits collected from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will vary depending on the amount of total household assets and income. The more assets and income your household has, the less money you will be eligible to receive. A Michigan SSI attorney can offer you more detailed benefit information after learning more about your individual case.

6. Will I be able to receive Health Insurance if I am approved for Social Security benefits?
If you are receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you can also receive health insurance benefits, but only after a two year waiting period. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you are not eligible to receive health insurance benefits.