Americans who are unable to work due to a mental illness or medical condition could be eligible for certain types of financial benefits through the Social Security Administration. There are strict eligibility requirements for those seeking to secure this type of financial support, and it may be beneficial to understand what these are before moving forward with the application process. There are two main programs for which a California applicant may apply, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
Eligibility and application requirements
Eligibility for disability applicants depends on several factors, including the type of medical condition one has, his or her work history and more. These factors will determine the specific type of benefits one may be able to secure. For example, an individual must have a documented work history to qualify for SSDI/SSI payments, while SSI is based on need rather than contributory requirements.
Those with the most severe disabilities and medical needs may be eligible for the Compassionate Allowances program. This is a program that expedites the review and approval process so that specific applicants can get critical support as soon as possible. A potential California applicant will benefit from seeking an assessment of their case to understand the right program for their situation and how to apply.
Help at every step
It is helpful to have experienced guidance at every step of the process when applying for disability benefits. An applicant may benefit from seeking the counsel of an attorney who can assist at every step of the application process. With help, an applicant will have a stronger chance of successfully securing the financial help he or she needs.