Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides income supplements to people who are unable to remain employed because of a severe disability. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits in Knoxville, TN, you must meet specific eligibility requirements related to work history, medical conditions, and income limits. Understanding these criteria is essential for determining your eligibility and navigating the application process effectively.

Don’t worry, our Social Security Disability lawyers will guide you throughout the process, ensuring you understand each step and helping you secure the benefits you deserve. With our expertise, we'll navigate the complexities of your claim, address any challenges that come up, and advocate fiercely on your behalf!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a step-by-step process to determine the extent of your disability.  This process is designed to  comprehensively assess your ability to work and the severity of your  condition. Each question is crucial in determining whether you meet the  criteria for Social Security Disability benefits.

The SSA will look at various factors, including your current work status, the  severity of your medical condition, and your ability to perform past or  alternative work. Understanding these questions can help you prepare for the  evaluation and strengthen your case for receiving benefits. 

Our Social Security Disability attorneys will help you navigate your claim, and  advocate for your rights. With our expertise, you can feel confident—like the hundreds of clients we've represented—that your application will be thoroughly prepared, maximizing your chances of approval. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) vs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both government benefit programs managed by the Social Security Administration. The key difference between these two programs is that SSDI is available to disabled workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits. SSI disability benefits are available to low-income individuals who either haven’t earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI or haven’t been able to work at all.

SSDI is funded through FICS Social Security taxes. Through payroll taxes, workers make contributions to the Social Security trust fund every year. Over the years, a worker may accumulate enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. In 2020, a worker must earn $1,410 to qualify for one Social Security work credit.

Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program funded by general fund taxes that has nothing to do with work history. To qualify for SSI, you must have a very limited income and have less than $2,000 in assets. For couples, you must have less than $3,000 in assets.

What Does It Cost to Hire an SSDI Attorney in Knoxville, TN?

When you hire a Knoxville, TN disability lawyer, you don’t need to worry about paying upfront costs. Social Security Disability lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. That means your disability lawyer is only paid when you’re granted Social Security benefits. You don’t have a contingency fee to worry about if your claim isn’t approved at any point in the process.

When you agree to work with your disability lawyer, you’ll sign a contingency fee agreement, which will set the exact terms of your lawyer’s payment. These fee agreements are then reviewed and approved by the Social Security Administration.

When your disability claim is approved, your lawyer’s fee will be 25% of your back benefits, which is typically paid to them directly from the SSA. However, no matter how much in past-due benefits you receive, the fee is capped at $6,000.

Why Choose Ooten Law Firm as your Social Security Disability law firm?

It’s recommended to call a Social Security disability lawyer as early into the SSDI filing process as possible. With over 150 5-star Google Reviews, the Social Security disability lawyers of Ooten Law Firm will evaluate the strength of your case, make the initial SSDI application, and navigate the appeals process should your application be denied.

With decades of experience and having helped hundreds of clients get their claims approved, Ooten Law Firm has the Social Security disability lawyers Knoxville, TN residents can rely on to improve their chances of success in the SSD application process. Although every case is unique, an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the SSD process more efficiently, which will help your case move more smoothly through the system speeding up compensation timeframes.

For more information on Social Security disability insurance and benefits, or to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Social Security disability lawyers, contact the law offices of Ooten Law Firm today!