Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a long and drawn out process. Fortunately, there are temporary benefits available to individuals suffering from certain disabilities.
Presumptive disability benefits are available to those who are disabled or blind and meet all of the Social Security’s eligibility requirements for disability benefits. It provides you with up to sixth months of disability payments while you wait for a final determination on your application.
The decision about whether or not you are eligible for presumptive disability payments is based on the severity of your disability and the likelihood that your claim for SSI will be approved. It is not based on financial need; presumptive disability payments are not available for those applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
You apply for presumptive disability benefits when you complete your application for SSI. Some conditions can be approved at the Social Security Administration field office, while other cases will be approved by the Disability Determination Services, the agency that makes all SSI decisions.
Some of the most common disabilities that qualify for presumptive disability benefits include:
- Total blindness
- Total deafness
- Symptomatic HIV or AIDS
- Amputation at the hip
- Down syndrome
- Terminal illness
- ALS a.k.a. Lou Gerhrigs disease
- Spinal cord injury resulting in an inability to walk without assistance
- Severe mental retardation
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cerebral palsy
- Stroke that caused inability to walk or use a hand or arm
For help getting the disability benefits you need, contact a Phoenix Social Security Disability benefits lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you appeal a denied claim to get you the help you need.
Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.