Social Security Attorneys

Wilkes-Barre, Sugarloaf and Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Disability Insurance FAQ

• Can I collect both workers compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?
• How soon should I file an application to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?
• What type of medical conditions does the Social Security Administration consider disabling?
• What if my application for Social Security Disability Insurance is denied?
• What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?

Can I collect both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?

Yes. If you were disabled in a work-related injury, you may be able to collect both types of benefits. If you were merely injured at work but not disabled by your injury, you probably won’t meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled.

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How soon should I file an application to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?

You should file an application with the Social Security Administration as soon as possible after you are injured. That way there won’t be a gap between when your paperwork was filed and when you start receiving benefits. However, keep in mind that you must be disabled or expected to be disabled for a year before receiving any benefit payments.

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What type of medical conditions does the Social Security Administration consider disabling?

There are many medical conditions on the Social Security Administrations list of disabilities. Below are some examples:

• Asthma
• Burn injury
• Bronchitis
• Cancer
• Cerebral palsy
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• Diverticulitis
• Drug medication side effects such as those from AIDS drugs, chemotherapy, or lithium
• Emphysema
• Heart failure
• Hepatitis
• HIV or AIDS
• Kidney disease or being on dialysis
• Liver disease
• Mental illnesses such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or panic disorder
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spinal cord injury
• Traumatic brain injury

These are just a few medical conditions that the Social Security Administration may deem disabling. In all cases, medical evidence from a doctor must be provided.

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What if my application for Social Security Disability Insurance is denied?

There are many steps you may take if your application is denied. First, you may appeal the decision. There are three levels of appeals open to you.

1. Hearing before an administrative law judge – if your initial application was denied you may appeal that decision here
2. Social Security Administration Appeals Council review – if your appeal before the administrative law judge was denied you may appeal that decision here
3. Federal District Court review – if your appeal was denied in the Social Security Administration’s Appeals Council, you may file a lawsuit to appeal that decision here

Since these procedures are similar to or even actual court cases, it is almost always a good idea to consult a social security attorney such as one from The Falvello Law Firm to assist you in this complex appeals process.

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What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income?

Social Security Disability Insurance (also known as SSDI) is for people who have worked long enough in the work force to be “insured” by social security. In other words, they have paid for this insurance through their Social Security taxes. After receiving benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance for 2 years, a person will automatically be enrolled in Medicare.

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Supplemental Security Income (also known as SSI) is supplemental income for people who are in financial need. Even if they have never worked, people can apply for this benefit because it is paid for by federal tax revenues not by Social Security. People who receive Supplemental Security Income are automatically enrolled in Medicare with no waiting period.