Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security disability
- What are Social Security disability benefits (SSDI)?
- What are Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)?
- If I become disabled, how long do I have to wait to apply for SSDI or SSI?
- What can I do to have the best chance of winning my SSDI or SSI claim?
- Do I have to be permanently disabled in order to get SSDI or SSI benefits?
- Click here for more Social Security disability FAQs
Workers compensation benefits
- What is workers compensation?
- What injuries are covered under workers compensation?
- What injuries are not covered under workers compensation?
- Does an injury have to be the result of a specific work-related accident in order to be covered?
Contact Schwilm Law Firm, PLLC, for help with your SSDI, SSI, or workers compensation claim.
What are Social Security disability benefits (SSDI)?
Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) are paid to individuals who usually have worked five out of the last ten years. For individuals under 31 years old, the requirements are a little different since they have not been in the workforce as long.
What are Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) are paid to individuals who are low income and disabled whether or not the individual has worked in the past. SSI child's disability benefits are paid to children who are under 18 years old, are disabled, and the parents or guardian are of lower income.
If I become disabled, how long do I have to wait to apply for SSDI or SSI?
If your disability is expected to last for at least one year, you should apply for Social Security disability benefits immediately.
What can I do to have the best chance of winning my SSDI or SSI claim?
Statistics support the fact that claimants who retain an attorney to represent them are much more likely to win than those who go unrepresented. Most claims are denied at the initial level. With an attorney, the chances of a positive outcome are greater on the initial application, and an attorney will quickly move ahead to appeal, if you claim is denied.
Do I have to be permanently disabled in order to get SSDI or SSI benefits?
No, if you are disabled for a minimum of a year or more you can qualify. The longer you are not able to work because of your disability, the longer you may receive SSDI or SSI benefits.
What is workers compensation?
Workers compensation is a system that pays for medical costs and lost wages resulting from a work–related injury or illness. In order for an employee to benefit from workers compensation, he or she is not allowed to sue his or her employer for negligence.
What injuries are covered under workers compensation?
Nearly all work–related injuries are covered under workers compensation, regardless of who caused the injury. Also, if you are injured and would like to receive workers compensation, you do not have to prove negligence or prove liability.
What injuries are not covered under workers compensation?
If your injury is the result of a self-inflicted incident, a crime you were committing, or conduct that violates company policy, workers compensation may not cover the resulting costs or lost wages.
Does an injury have to be the result of a specific work-related accident in order to be covered?
No. If you sustain an injury like carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of continued use or misuse, workers compensation can cover the cost of the injury or any lost work. However, in these cases, you must prove that your injuries are the direct result of your employment. This proof may be difficult to provide without the help of an attorney. If you would like to receive workers compensation, contact an experienced workers compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
