Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to Rhode Islanders who paid Social Security taxes and can no longer work due to a qualifying disability.
For workers in the United States, the federal government deducts a portion of their paycheck to fund our Social Security system. Part of this goes to building a reserve for workers who become disabled and are no longer able to earn an income. While the system is based on noble principles, it seems at times to turn its back on the very people who help fund it.
The truth is, the vast majority of Social Security Disability claims will initially be denied. However, with the help of a skilled lawyer, individuals can challenge the ruling and gain access to the benefits that they need and deserve, including a monthly income and Medicare benefits.
Helping Disabled Workers Obtain Social Security Benefits
Social Security Disability laws are complex, but our firm takes the time to fully explain your rights and options, as we fight to obtain the benefits you deserve. When you work with our firm, no fee is charged for your SSDI case unless your claim is successful, and all fees will be approved by the Social Security Administration.
Federal law caps our fee at 25% of your past-due (back) benefits, and every fee must be approved by the Social Security Administration before it’s collected.
What is the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?
Understanding the difference between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is helpful when evaluating your claim and legal options.
- Social Security Disability (SSDI) – These benefits are available to individuals who have paid into the Social Security system and are now no longer to work due to injury or disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – SSI is entirely separate from the Social Security Disability. It is a federal program that offers cash to individuals with little or no income. Beneficiaries must meet the necessary requirements to be eligible.
Because these are two entirely separate programs, it is possible to qualify for both. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can rest assured that you will receive the benefits you deserve.
Who Can Receive SSDI?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are many questions that must be answered when you apply for Social Security Disability. In order to file a claim you must qualify as disabled according to the SSA’s definition of disabled. Since Social Security only pays for total disability, it can be difficult to prove that you are fully disabled and are therefore worthy of receiving SSDI.
Other circumstances can also qualify you for SSDI. The SSA may allow benefits for disabled widows or widowers and disabled children. The SSA has stringent rules regulating who may receive Social Security Disability.
Our attorneys are experts in these criteria and can advise you as you make a claim with the Social Security Administration. In the event that your claim is denied, there is the opportunity to appeal.
You have 60 days from a denial to appeal, and there are four possible levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court.
Our attorneys can help you through each step of the process. Call (401) 490-0220 for a free consultation!
We Keep Clients Involved in the Process
Our attorneys understand what is at stake for our clients in a Social Security Disability claim. Part of our commitment to legal excellence is to provide responsive client service. We will keep you informed at each stage of the process and are always available to address new concerns or questions as they arise.
Serving clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, our social security disability attorneys can help you fight for the benefits you need to adjust to your lifestyle.
Social Security Disability Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI in Rhode Island?
Initial SSA decisions typically take 3–5 months. If your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing before an administrative law judge, the process can take a year or more, depending on the local hearing office’s backlog and your case’s complexity.
Can I receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes — this is called “concurrent benefits.” If you have limited work credits or a low SSDI payment amount, and you also meet SSI’s income and asset limits, you may qualify for both programs simultaneously, increasing your total monthly benefit.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSDI?
You’re not required to have a lawyer to apply, but claimants represented by an attorney are statistically more likely to be approved, especially at the appeal/hearing stage. An attorney only gets paid if you win, so there’s no upfront cost to find out if representation helps your case.