Social Security Disability Programs

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

At the office of Russell W. Brown and Associates, Social Security Disability Specialists Inc., we have been involved in this area of disability law for many years, and we understand how intimidating and frustrating it can be. We will guide you through every step of the way. We'll protect your rights at every stage of your claim. You can lean on us, we'll support you through this difficult process. Don't give up, we won't!

Qualifying For Benefits?

Under the federal Social Security Disability Act, "disability" means the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."

Understanding Your Impairments

Claims can be won on the basis of one impairment, either physical or psychological, or can be won on the basis of a combination of impairments. There are times when vocational factors such as age, education, and work history are important. We are experienced in reading medical records and understanding the nature of complex diseases and injuries. We know what information is important to obtain from your doctors. We can help the Administrative Law Judge assigned to your claim understand these issues and help you tell "your story".

Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI)

Are benefits paid to individuals who have worked in the recent years. Usually you have to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years. For individuals under 31 years old, the requirements are a little different since they have not been in the work force as long. The amount of your SSD income benefit is based on your reported earnings from work over the period of your work history. When you are proven disabled and eligible to receive SSD benefits, there is a 24 month waiting period before you become eligible for Medicare coverage.

Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)

Are paid to individuals who are low income individuals/families and disabled whether or not the individual has worked in the past. SSI child's disability benefits are paid to children who are less than 18 years old, are disabled and the parents or guardian are of lower income. SSI comes with Medicaid in the state of Texas to cover medical costs and help with the claimant's medications.

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