Every year, around two million people apply for Social Security disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The reasons that people do so are incredibly varied, because every person’s circumstances are unique. Here are five reasons why you might need to apply for Social Security disability benefits:
- You suddenly get very sick
- The line between health and illness is often much thinner than most people realize, and severe illness can affect even the healthiest people without warning. This may mean a severe infection that leaves you with long-term health complications, or it can mean a disease like cancer that can take months or years of treatment. In either case, you may be left unable to work and need Social Security disability benefits as a result.
- You get into a major accident
- Another reason you may need to apply for SSDI or SSI is if you are in a major accident, like a car crash. These accidents can happen to anyone, and can leave you unable to work for a prolonged period of time. In these cases, disability benefits can help cover your bills while you are recovering from your injury.
- You are injured on the job
- Workplace injuries are also a major problem, especially for people in certain high risk industries like construction, agriculture, fishing, or transportation. While you may be able to obtain worker’s compensation for these injuries, that may not always be available, or enough to cover your expenses. In these cases, Social Security disability benefits can help you greatly.
- You have a child with a congenital disability
- In some circumstances, children who are born with significant congenital disabilities may be eligible for SSI benefits. This may include children suffering from Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other conditions that can affect their physical or cognitive development. In such cases, Social Security disability benefits can help cover their expenses and necessary treatment.
- Your existing condition has gotten worse
- Many people manage to live and work with significant medical or psychological conditions that they manage through medical care. However, it is always possible for your existing condition to worsen, for a variety of reasons. In these cases, you may become eligible for Social Security disability benefits if your condition leaves you unable to work.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
