More than 65 million Americans receive monthly Social Security benefits. The payments are intended to replace a portion of your earnings when you retire, become disabled or die. They are also available as compensation for illness or personal injury. If you are unable to work because of a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Obtaining these benefits is a complex process that can involve both the SSA and court system. Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC’s skilled and dedicated attorneys guide you through the process. We have more than 75 years of combined legal experience and understand how to give your claim the best chance of success and we are one the few local firms who will assist you with your initial application as well as the appeal process.  The Programs: SSDI vs. SSI The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two different disability programs:  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is a financial need-based program for disabled individuals who haven’t earned enough work credits or haven’t worked at all in the past 10 years. SSDI is a disability program for workers who have earned enough work credits based on taxable employment in the past 10 years. Overall, the main difference resides in how long an individual has worked in the past 10 years The Process Statistics from various SSA study groups put denial of initial SSDI and SSI applications at 65%-70%. Upon initial denial of an application, there are four stages of appeal:
  • Reconsideration
  • Hearing —
  • . Review by the Appeals Council
  • Federal court review
For a description of each of these, contact us online. Eighty seven percent (87%) of applications are denied under reconsideration review, the second step in the application process. However, if you live in Northeast Tennessee your odds of being approved are more favorable. Tennessee ranks among the top ten states for disability approval. While the approval rates in Tennessee are around or below average at the initial application and reconsideration stages, the rate of approval at the disability hearing stage is a lot higher than the national average. Typical Disability Benefits The benefit amount a person receives is determined by the SSA through review of that individual’s past work history, the amount of income received, and the current household situation. According to the SSA, the national average SSDI payment in 2015 given out to beneficiaries was $1,165, while the national average SSI payment was $541. The maximum payment allowed for SSDI is $2,663 while the maximum payment for SSI is $733 for an individual, and $1,100 for a couple. Statistics show that most beneficiaries’ payments range from $500 to $2,000. To learn more about qualifying for Social Security disability benefits in Tennessee or Virginia, contact an experienced Bristol attorney. Call Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C. today at 423-797-6022 to schedule your free initial consultation, or contact us online.