What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and how does it work in Lansing?
SSDI is a federal program that provides financial benefits to individuals who can no longer work due to a disability. It is funded through payroll taxes, meaning you must have earned enough work credits from past employment to qualify. Many attorneys in the Lansing area graduated from Michigan State University or its law school, establishing credibility and a sense of community commitment. If approved, your disability benefits continue until you reach full retirement age, at which point they convert to standard Social Security retirement benefits.
Who qualifies for SSDI benefits?
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability and have earned enough work credits to be considered “insured.” This typically means you have worked long enough and recently enough in a job that paid into Social Security. While most applicants must meet both criteria, certain exceptions may apply.
How much can I receive in Social Security Disability benefits?
Your SSDI benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings before your disability. The best way to check your estimated monthly payment is by creating a my Social Security account at SSA.gov. There, you can view your earnings history and see your estimated disability, early retirement, and full retirement benefits.
How does the Social Security Administration determine my SSDI payment amount?
SSDI benefits are calculated based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability, using a formula that factors in your highest-earning years. While benefit amounts vary, the average monthly SSDI payment is typically around $1,200 to $1,300, with higher earners receiving up to $3,000 per month.
Your payment may be reduced if you receive other disability benefits, such as workers’ compensation or long-term disability insurance. Additionally, back pay is calculated based on the number of months between your eligibility date and the date your claim is approved.
What are the eligibility requirements for SSDI benefits?
To qualify for SSDI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity, meaning work that provides income above a certain threshold. Your disability must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work, and it should either match a condition listed in the SSA’s Blue Book or be medically equivalent to one.
The SSA also considers whether you can return to your previous job or adjust to any other type of work based on your medical condition, skills, and education. If your disability prevents you from maintaining steady employment, you may be eligible for benefits.
What if I don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI?
If you haven’t earned enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unlike SSDI, SSI is a need-based program that provides benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. This program is designed to assist those who were unable to work long enough to pay into the Social Security system but still meet the medical requirements for disability benefits.
What is the process for applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Lansing?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits involves submitting a detailed application to the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with supporting medical and work history documentation. The SSA will review your claim to determine whether you meet the medical and financial requirements before forwarding it to Michigan’s Disability Determination Services, the agency responsible for making the final decision.
Filing an application correctly is crucial, as many first-time claims are denied due to missing documentation or minor errors. SSI applications cannot be submitted online and must be completed over the phone or in person. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal, and having legal representation can improve your chances of approval.
Where are the Social Security hearing offices located in Lansing?
The Lansing Social Security hearing office is located at 4202 Collins Road, Lansing, MI 48910. If you are appealing a denied claim, your hearing will typically be scheduled at the office closest to your residence. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hearings have moved online, allowing applicants to attend remotely. If traveling to a hearing office is difficult, you may be able to request a virtual hearing as an alternative.
What types of medical conditions are considered for SSDI benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a list of qualifying conditions in its Blue Book, which includes hundreds of medical impairments that may qualify for SSDI benefits if they prevent you from working. Common conditions include severe arthritis, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases like COPD, spinal disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and fibromyalgia.
However, simply having a diagnosis isn’t enough—you must demonstrate how your condition significantly limits your ability to work. Some conditions on the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances list qualify for expedited processing due to their severity and life-threatening nature. Even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity.
Are mental health disorders eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in Lansing?
Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes many mental health disorders as qualifying conditions for SSDI benefits. These include severe depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and other mood or cognitive impairments that significantly affect daily functioning.
To qualify, you must provide medical evidence showing how your condition limits your ability to work. In some cases, co-occurring issues like substance use disorders may complicate eligibility, but they do not automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits. Each case is evaluated based on how the condition impacts your ability to perform substantial gainful activity.
Can I still work in Lansing while receiving SSDI benefits?
Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI benefits, but there are strict earning limits. In 2024, recipients cannot earn more than $1,550 per month if nonblind or $2,590 per month if blind without affecting their benefits.
If you exceed a certain income threshold, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may place you in a Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to test your ability to work for up to nine months while still receiving benefits. However, consistently earning above the limit may lead the SSA to determine that you are no longer disabled, which could result in the loss of benefits. Understanding these limits is crucial to avoiding unintended consequences while maintaining financial stability.
What can I do if my SSDI claim is denied?
If your SSDI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision, and doing so is often necessary since many first-time applications are rejected. The appeals process involves multiple stages, including reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals if necessary.
How much does it cost to hire a Lansing Social Security Disability attorney?
Hiring a Social Security Disability attorney comes at no upfront cost because attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if you win your case. The Social Security Administration (SSA) caps attorney fees at 25% of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $7,200 (as of 2024).
Fees are only deducted from back pay and not future benefits, so you don’t have to worry about ongoing legal costs. Additionally, attorneys do not receive payment if your case is unsuccessful, making legal representation a risk-free option for those appealing a denied claim.
