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Championing Disability Rights in the Lone Star State
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Take the first step in protecting your future by contacting DFW Disability Lawyer™ today for a 100% free consultation. We take NO FEES unless we win your case!
The disability and social security claims process is complicated and can feel truly overwhelming. Feel free to reach out via our contact form or by phone for additional questions or clarification if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for in our extensive FAQ library.
Q: Am I eligible for Social Security disability benefits?
Social Security disability is a form of insurance – in fact, these benefits are actually called “SSDI” which stands for “Social Security Disability Insurance.”
Most of us pay for SSDI coverage when we pay our share of FICA taxes. Tax payments result in “Quarters of Coverage.” The number of years we have worked and paid FICA taxes contributes to our SSDI coverage. In short, we pay FICA taxes for SSDI coverage like we may premiums for insurance coverage with an insurance company.
Example: if a worker earned 4 Quarters of Coverage per year in 2015 – 2020 and stopped working in 2020, then she would have 5 years of SSDI eligibility. She must establish that she became disabled before her date last insured in 2026. Some occupations like teachers and government workers allow the worker to opt-out from payment of FICA taxes, resulting in no Quarters of Coverage and no SSDI eligibility. However, these workers may have eligibility under a private insurance disability plan or Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”).
Q: What is the difference between SSDI benefits and SSI benefits?
Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) is a federal program for the disabled, blind, and those over 65 with very limited financial resources. SSI benefits are paid out of general revenues rather than the Social Security trust fund. Many states supplement the federal SSI benefit. Generally, a SSI claimant must:
(1) be “disabled” using the same definition as is used for the Social Security disability program;
(2) meet the income and asset requirements of the SSI Program;
(3) be a U.S. citizen or fall into a group of limited exceptions to the citizenship rule; and
(4) file an application. The asset limitation has long been $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. However, certain assets are excluded such as the claimant’s home, household goods and personal effects, and one car.
Q: Can an employer change my job because I go on Long Term Disability?
Short answer? Yes. An employer may have the ability to change an employee’s job when they go on Long-Term Disability (LTD), but it must be done for legitimate business reasons. If the change is solely due to the employee’s LTD status and lacks valid justification, it may be considered unlawful and discriminatory. Employees can consult with a legal professional to understand their rights and explore potential courses of action if they believe their job change is unfair or discriminatory.
Q: Which illnesses qualify for long term disability?
In Texas, the eligibility criteria for long-term disability (LTD) benefits can vary depending on the specific terms of the insurance policy or benefits program. Generally, qualifying illnesses for LTD in Texas include a wide range of physical and mental health conditions that significantly impact an individual’s ability to work. You can check with your insurance provider or employer for more information on what conditions are covered. Otherwise, feel free to contact us with your questions about qualifying illnesses or conditions.
Q: If I win my case, how much money will I receive?
SSDI benefits are generally higher than SSI. SSDI benefits are calculated off earnings before stopping work. You can find out how much your SSDI benefit would be by accessing your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. As of 2023, the maximum SSDI amount is $3,627 per month. The government sets SSI at the same amount for all claimants. As of 2023, SSI for an individual is $914 per month and for an eligible couple is $1,371 per month. Benefits are calculated from your onset date of disability forward. Social Security will pay a lump sum amount for back-due benefits and then monthly benefits going forward.
What we do
DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIMS
Challenging your disability insurance company or employer can be a complex, stressful situation to navigate on your own. DFW Disability Lawyer™ in Dallas-Fort Worth will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to help you obtain the benefits that you're entitled to.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS
Standing up to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system on your own can feel like an impossible task. If you're unable to work due to an injury or illness, DFW Disability Lawyer™ is here to be your trusted guide and personal advocate – both in and out of the courtroom.