There are many reasons for applying for disability benefits through either of the two programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA): the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Filing for disability benefits gives you the chance to receive support from the federal government. The benefits that you will be receiving all come from the taxes you contributed to the Social Security system through FICA taxes.

The main component of disability benefits that you will be receiving is monthly cash sent to you by the SSA. You will also be entitled for medical benefits. The two programs, however, have different medical programs for each. SSI beneficiaries receive Medicaid along with their first monthly cash benefits. SSDI beneficiaries, on the other hand, will receive Medicare after two years from the date of entitlement of benefits.

Here are the primary reasons why you should apply for disability benefits:

·         You have a severe physical or mental condition, which the SSA calls a “disability”. When you submit your disability claim to the SSA, they will look at your disability and determine whether or not it meets or at least equals the level of severity on any of the medical conditions included in the SSA’s List of Impairments.

·         Your physical or mental condition is expected to last or has already lasted for at least twelve months or longer. This means that you are held out of work because of your disability.

·         Your physical or mental condition prevents you from doing work and your ability to earn at least a small amount on a monthly basis. If you are earning $1,010 as a non-blind applicant, then you are working on a substantial gainful activity level.

Once these three reasons apply to you, there is no need to delay in submitting a complete disability claim. You must not delay because the Social Security process can be lengthy. You can apply for either the SSDI or SSI through the SSA’s website, phone, or walk-in appointment. To help you gather what you need for you claim, you can hire an expert California disability attorney.