What Types of Social Security Disability Benefits Can I Qualify for in Noblesville?
Social Security runs two disability benefits programs. Both require you to have a work-stopping health problem, but each program has a slightly different purpose.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid into the system. SSDI calculates payments based on your past income and a formula used by Social Security, and you will be eligible for Medicare after a waiting period.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program with strict asset limitations ($2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples). You do not need a work history to qualify, and you can enroll in Medicaid once you get approved.
This chart offers a breakdown of the differences between SSDI and SSI:
| Requirement | SSDI | SSI |
| A work-stopping health problem that will last 12 months or longer | YES | YES |
| A history of working and paying into Social Security | YES, you need to have earned a certain number of “work credits” to qualify. | NO, you can qualify even if you never worked or only worked part-time. |
| Limited financial resources | NO, you can have income from investments, assets or property and still qualify. You just cannot have too much income from working. | YES, individuals are limited to $2,000 in resources, and couples can only have $3,000. But your primary home and one car don’t count against the limits. |
| Benefits | ||
| Monthly payments | Monthly payments are different for everyone, depending on up to 35 years of your past income. | Payments start at a standard amount for everyone but can be reduced based on other benefits or income you receive. |
| Medical coverage | You can enroll in Medicare after a waiting period. | You can enroll in Medicaid with no waiting period. |
If you have questions about which benefits you can qualify for, you can talk to advocates at Hanley Disability anytime.
Get started with a FREE disability claim evaluation.
Applying for Disability in Noblesville: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for disability benefits takes a lot of work. The process can seem intimidating.
To make it less overwhelming, our Noblesville disability advocates break it down into steps:
Step #1: See if your health issue is on Social Security’s list of impairments.
Social Security keeps a list of impairments on its website. If your health problem is listed, it will show you a specific way Social Security evaluates claims like yours, giving you a roadmap for what you need in your application.
But do not get discouraged if your health issue is not mentioned, or if you have multiple health problems and you are not sure what to do.
You can still qualify for benefits if you meet the general requirements for disability—being unable to work a substantial amount for 12 months or longer.
Step #2: Gather your medical records.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires documentation to back up what you say about your health problem that stops you from working.
You need objective medical evidence, from sources other than yourself, like evaluations from your doctor, medical test results, records of hospitalizations, information about treatments you’ve tried and any other records that can support your claim.
Step #3: Be ready to verify your work history (for SSDI) or financial need (for SSI).
Also keep the qualifications for both Social Security Disability programs in mind.
If you are applying for SSDI, you need to have evidence that you have worked and paid into the system, like information about previous employers and your employment dates.
If you are applying for SSI, you need to show that you meet the strict asset limits of the program with bank statements and other financial records.
Step #4: Apply for benefits, preferably with the help of a disability advocate.
Once you have everything you need, you can apply for disability benefits online, over the phone or in person at a Social Security office.
But it is easy to make mistakes that can result in delays or denials of benefits.
Instead of doing it on your own, work with our local Noblesville disability advocates. We are ready to help you fight for the life-changing benefits you deserve at each step of this process.
And we don’t charge for our services until you win benefits.
What Should I Do If I Get Denied Disability Benefits?
Do not give up if you get denied disability benefits the first time you apply.
Around 60% to 65% of initial disability claims get rejected in Indiana, according to recent data from Social Security.
There is no reason to quit just because you were denied once. Getting denied is normal. A Noblesville disability advocate can help you appeal and get a better chance at the benefits you deserve.
The first stage of appealing is asking for reconsideration. Social Security will have another claims examiner take a look at your initial application for benefits, someone with fresh eyes who could decide to grant you benefits.
Still, odds of success are low at this stage (around 10% to 12%), so for most people the best chance of winning benefits comes in the second stage of appeals—the disability hearing.
This does not take place in a courtroom with a jury and observers. It is more like a meeting than a trial. But going in front of a judge is still intimidating.
Our Noblesville disability advocates can help you prepare for the hearing in advance, so you understand what you are walking into, and you are ready to tell your story.
Keep in mind that you have a limited time to appeal. At each stage you must respond to the SSA within 60 days, or you might need to start over with a new application for benefits.
