Social Security Disability

As soon as one becomes aware that their disability is expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or longer (or result in death), they should contact Ms. Thornberry so that a claim for benefits can be filed.  There is no need to wait and apply first on your own.   

SSDI vs. SSI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is paid to disabled persons who have paid FICA taxes during a sufficient number of quarters.  After a 2-year waiting period, SSDI benefits carry with them Medicare health coverage.  There are no income or asset limitations when evaluating a person's eligibility for SSDI.

Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) is a need-based program with strict income and asset perameters.  Currently, an applicant for SSI can not have more than $2,000 in total liquid assets, one home and one car (among other limitations).  Once a person qualifiies for SSI, they become automatically enrolled in Medicaid health coverage without any waiting period. 

When applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, no attorney's fees are owed up front.  If you win your case, the Social Security Administration will pay Ms. Thornberry a fee fixed by federal law out of any back benefits owed to you.  (If you are not due any back benefits, Ms. Thornberry will submit a fee petition for the time she spent working on your case.)    

• Initial Application
• Request for Reconsideration
• Hearing before Administrative Law Judge
• Request for Appeals Counsel Review
• Federal Court filing*

*Ms. Thornberry will take cases to federal court based on their individual merit.  Not all cases which fail at the Appeals Counsel level will be filed in federal court. 

Do you have questions or do you want to make an appointment in this area?

Call us at (757) 345-3462 or use our contact form.