Social Security Disability benefits is an important type of program that provides income to individuals who can't work. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 8.2 million people receive disabled-worker benefits each year; some of these payments go to families, including 104,000 spouses and 1.4 million children. If you are attempting to get your SSI benefits, it's helpful to know some information on how the program works. Let's look at a few facts about disability that you might not be aware of.

1. Not Everyone Qualifies

The first thing you should be aware of is that not everyone with a disability will qualify for disability benefits. This is one reason why many benefit from the assistance of a disability law professional, who will help with their application process. To get benefits, you must have a proven condition that prevents you from earning income. Your condition must also have lasted more than a year, be expected to last more than a year, or potentially cause death. A disability lawyer will be able to help you evaluate your particular disability and help you determine if you might qualify for benefits.

2. Extensive Evidence Is Needed

It's often assumed that a doctor's diagnosis is all that's needed. Having proof from your doctor will strengthen your case, but that isn't the only information you'll need to submit to the Social Security Administration to qualify for benefits. You will need to submit medical records, lab tests, and possibly other information. A disability lawyer will help you collect the necessary information to submit to the SSA.

3. Your Family May Qualify

In some cases, family members of the disabled person may also qualify for benefits. These are called auxiliary benefits. If your work history is sufficient, you may be able to get this helpful income. Again, a lawyer can help you evaluate the potential of getting auxiliary benefits.

4. Approval Takes Time

One thing that many people aren't prepared for is waiting. It often takes months to get through the application process, according to our team. If there are any mistakes made along the way, it could slow down this timeline even more. This is yet another reason you would want to hire a disability law professional to help you navigate through this process.

These are just a few facts about the disability benefits process. If you'd like to learn more, or you need assistance with your application process, please contact Disability Law Center Of Robert S Piazza Jr PC today. We are here for your legal needs.