SSI vs. SSD.

No, this is not the next big Star Wars movie.  These are the acronyms that stand for Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability (Also known as disability insurance benefits).  SSD is available to those that have accumulated a sufficient number of “work credits”.  SSI is available to those that may have never worked enough or not at all.

Supplemental Security Income is “need based”.  The funds come from a general tax fund NOT a trust fund…so they should last through our lifetimes.  Do you qualify for SSI?  Here is an important point…you must have under $2000 in assets ($3,000 if married).  When do benefits begin?  The answer is on the first month after you submit your application.

Knowing the ins and outs of SSI, SSD, and, oh yes another one abbreviated SSDI (we will delve into that later) can be complicated.  Lyle Clark is a Seattle area attorney that will help you navigate through these Social Security waters.  Why not give him a call and arrange for a meeting at his Bellevue office by calling (425) 452-3092.

SSD and Your Family.

This is not some disease - Quite the opposite.  It may be a lifesaver for your family’s financial future.  It is the abbreviation for Social Security Disability.  Recently in this space we defined SSI which is Supplemental Security Income.  Let us take a quick look at disability income and its importance to your future.

SSDI, (often abbreviated as SSD) is a Social Security program that pays out monthly benefits if you become disabled BEFORE you reach retirement age and simply cannot work regularly. Some people know it as "workers disability."  How do you qualify?  Well, you must have worked at a job for a number of years and paid social security taxes.

If you are under-employed or unemployed due to a debilitating condition it is probably time to look into SSD for your family’s future well-being.  In Washington State and particularly in Bellevue, Attorney Lyle M. Clark may have the answers that you seek.  He is a Bellevue, WA social security disability lawyer.  Call him today at (425) 452-3092.

A Short SSI Tutorial.

What does SSI stand for?  In every state in the union it is provided for by the federal government under the Social Security Act.  The SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income.  The purpose of the program is to provide income to people who do not have sufficient earnings credits to qualify for regular Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI).  For millions of Americans this may be the difference between abject poverty and a comfortable subsistence.  So, let us get to the root of the matter and find out who qualifies.

According to the Social Security Act, "disability" means the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by diagnosis of any medically recognized physician or mental impairment which can be expected to last for an extended period of not less than 12 months or result in death.”  After meeting this medical standard, applicants for SSI must also prove that they meet certain financial limitations. For example, there is a limit of $2,000 on liquid assets, such as cash, money in the bank, CD’s, IRA’s and the like.

That is rather specific, isn’t it?  To find out if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income you should seek the advice of an attorney.  In the Seattle area Lyle M. Clark has been an SSI lawyer for more than three decades.  He may have answers to your social security disability questions.  Give him a call at (425) 452-3092 for a possible appointment at his Bellevue office.

Relax…Your Lawyer should be Your Friend.

The second most stressful thing about the legal system after appearing in court is hiring the right attorney.  You are looking for someone who listens and is empathetic about your particular case and what you are going through.  You need guidance through the rigors of the legal system.

When you are in their office you want to be sitting across the desk from someone who has empathy for your particular situation.  At this point, you don’t need some hard-hitting, loud talking lawyer.  You are looking for a compassionate friend who understands the ins and outs of the legal system.

That person exists in the Seattle area.  He is Bellevue, Washington lawyer Lyle Clark.  Attorney Clark has spent the last 40 years of his life aiding Washingtonians in pursuing cases involving social security, family law, and constructing wills and probate for his constituents.  Why not give Lyle a call and see if he is right for you at (425) 452-3092.

The Million Man Waiting List.

You may have heard of the Million Man March.  And recently, millions gathered in Washington, DC to protest the inauguration of the new president.  You may not have been a part of any of that, but you may now be effected by this new euphemism: the Million Man Waiting List.  It is something of which you may need to be aware.

For some, it may be the stuff of nightmares.  You or a loved one may have been permanently injured in an auto accident or have a serious medical condition or mental illness.  You can no longer work for a living and your only recourse is to apply for disability insurance benefits or SSI.  Then you go to the Social Security office and find out that the average wait time is more than a year and a half if your initial application is turned down and you need to appeal!

You must take action, or struggle without any visible means of support.  That is when you decide to call Seattle area disability attorney Lyle M. Clark, Jr.  Attorney Clark has spent the last four decades fighting for the “little guy” who needs to receive his or her rightful benefits to survive.  Arrange an appointment at his Bellevue, WA office by calling (425) 452-3092.

Poor Old Social Security.

Earlier this month we addressed the question of whether or not Social Security is going broke.  If you recall we told you it is not.  We spoke of increased longevity and more women in the workforce.  We also informed you that trust funds are in better shape than some folks would have you believe, though there will be a short-fall in the retirement fund in about 20 years and much earlier in the disability fund.

As always, politics plays a part and it becomes complicated as things often do when politicians get involved.  One of the Presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders, made some noise when he proposed raising the ceiling on earnings subject to the payroll tax from the current level of $118,500 to $250,000. This solution has its problems, as do others. Raising the ceiling should be part of the solution to the long-term funding of Social Security.

Social security will affect nearly all of us and those of us who are Baby Boomers are acutely interested in its near future.  As it pertains to this topic, as well as wills and probate, no one in the Seattle area is better equipped to discuss it with you than Bellevue, WA Social Security attorney Lyle Clark.  Call him today at (425) 452-3092.

Termination of Disability Benefits.

Maybe you were under the mistaken belief that Social Security disability means “total disability”.  Now you are all set … the benefits will continue indefinitely.  Surprise!  That is not correct.  Disability means that the claimant has a medical condition that prevents him or her from working.  Thus, benefits are payable only so long as you remain unable to work.   Social Security performs continuing disability reviews periodically to assess ongoing eligibility.

For most people, continuing disability reviews occur every three years.  If you are deemed medically able to resume work, your benefits may be terminated.  Reviews may occur earlier than three years if the Social Security Administration believes that your condition is likely to improve sooner.

Legally, the burden of proof regarding your continued claim of disability lies with SSA, and the agency often makes mistakes in applying the rules for terminating benefits.  You may elect to continue receiving your benefits while you appeal, but you must make the election within ten days.  If you receive a termination notice you should contact a disability attorney immediately.   Call an attorney who knows the ins and outs of social security disability claims in the State of Washington.  You can’t afford to waste another minute!  Contact Social Security disability attorney Lyle Clark at (425) 452-3092.

SSDI for People with Mental Impairments.

Having a physical condition that prevents you from working to support yourself and your family may be quite obvious.  What may NOT be so evident are those that have a debilitating mental disorder that also prohibits them from being totally self-sufficient.  Mental conditions such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, intellectual disability, and autistic spectrum disorders may qualify you or someone that you love for Social Security Disability benefits.

Many times individuals will apply for SSDI or SSI (social security income) and initially be denied.  In a large number of cases if a knowledgeable lawyer is hired and defends your rights the decision is subsequently overturned.  You or someone you care about may be in that exact situation right now.

It is time to call Attorney Lyle Clark who has been helping Seattle area residents in these matters for over 35 years.  He has a great track record of helping individuals with various mental disorders obtain the benefits that they deserve.  Call Lyle Clark today at (425) 452-3092 and make an appointment to see him at his office at 40 Lake Bellevue, Suite 100 in Bellevue WA.