The law provides for two different types of disability benefits, Disability Insurance Benefits ("DIB") and Supplemental Security Income ("SSI"). These two benefit plans have a lot of similarities, but they also have some tremendous differences. The similarity is that they both have identical criteria for determining if a person is disabled. This criteria is set forth in the Five-Step Sequential Evaluation. Because the criteria for disability is identical, many people apply for both DIB and SSI. Such applications are called "concurrent" claims. When you apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration, the agency should determine which of these plans are applicable to you. The purpose of this section is to describe the differences between DIB and SSI.
Can I Get Oklahoma Disability Benefits?
Disability Attorneys Explain Who Qualifies For Social Security Insurance Benefits
“Paying into Social Security” is a phrase that anyone who has looked at a paycheck has probably heard before. By having a payroll deduction applied to earnings by an employer (FICA) or as self-employment tax, that individual contributes to Social Security. This is done in order to receive Disability Insurance benefits (DIB) in the event of a disability. These benefits are also called Title 2 or more commonly referred to as Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI).
However, a payroll deduction does not automatically qualify a person to receive SSDI. A claimant is the individual filing for Oklahoma disability benefits. A claimant can increase his/her chances of a successful disability application by talking to a disability attorney in Tulsa. When you call the Social Security law firm of Troutman & Troutman, we can help by reviewing your contributions to Social Security Disability. We also review other factors that determine if you are eligible for disability benefits.
Learn more about how Troutman & Troutman can help you by calling (918) 265-1404 or contacting us online today!
What are Social Security Disability Work Credits? Disability Lawyers in Tulsa OK
Every claimant must accumulate a certain number of work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. You must earn some of these credits during a 10-year period prior to the date you can prove you became disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to determine the basic requirement for SSDI work credits. It is based on your prior work history and the age in which you became disabled.
The amount of credits a claimant has earned in his or her work history is important to Social Security eligibility for disability benefits. However, if you have not earned enough credits to qualify for SSDI and can demonstrate a financial need, you may be eligible for supplemental security income (SSI).
What is My Social Security Oklahoma Disability Benefits Eligibility?
Based on your work credits, the Social Security Administration calculates the “date last insured” (DLI). It describes the date on which the claimant’s insured status stopped. The SSA determines the date last insured based on your payroll and tax records. If you are found to be disabled after the date last insured, then you are not eligible for SSDI. Cases in which the date last insured has expired can be very difficult. This is because the claimant must prove his or her condition in the remote past.
Unlike SSDI, filing for SSI does not require that a person had insurance prior to the date of disability. However, SSDI payments are generally greater in amount than SSI. A person can be eligible for SSI if he or she never worked, as the SSA bases eligibility on the claimant’s income and assets – not work credits. Only those with very low income and very few assets are eligible for SSI. However, with SSDI, a person can receive payments regardless of his or her financial status.
Can I Get SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?
If a claimant has filed a concurrent claim, one for both SSDI and SSI, the claimant may receive benefits from both SSDI and SSI. A person found disabled might be able to receive SSDI and SSI at the same time in the event the current SSDI benefits are less than $735 per month for 2017.
Concurrent SSDI and SSI claims offer additional benefits to SSI or SSDI payments alone. For those earning a low amount of SSDI benefits, gaining SSI benefits may raise the benefit amount to a total of $735 per month. Receiving concurrent Oklahoma disability benefits also improves Medicare eligibility for claimants. Learn more about SSDI benefits and working.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for SSI or SSDI Oklahoma Disability Benefits?
Finding a trusted disability lawyer is the first step toward understanding eligibility for Social Security benefits in Oklahoma. Our experience dealing with complex SSA policies like earned work credits can provide claimants with a better understanding of their eligibility for benefits under SSDI, SSI or both. We can then explain how to calculate your disability benefits amount.
With the personalized attention our small Tulsa law firm can offer, our attorneys provide free evaluations of your case and legal advice to anyone needing to explore their eligibility under Social Security Disability law. In addition, we can work with you determine if you should also get back pay for benefits.
Call (918) 265-1404 today or fill out an online case review form if you have any questions.

Why Choose Troutman & Troutman?
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Committed to Keeping You Informed
We understand that this can be a stressful and confusing time which, is why we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to keep you informed and knowledgeable about your case. Not only do we have an array of video and FAQs, but we also allow you direct access to your dedicated attorney.
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Dedicated & Trusted Counsel
Our attorneys are passionate about disability law. Everyone who works at our firm is here because they believe in helping people. We commit to representing clients through every part of the Social Security Disability claims process.
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Over 25 Years of Dedicated Experience
Since 1993, our attorneys have been helping people throughout Oklahoma get the Social Security benefits they deserve. Regardless of where you are in your case, our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys are here to help you obtain what you deserve.
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Disability Law Is All We Do
Social Security Disability is a unique area of the law because it is about representing clients going through very difficult times. We help by getting people the benefits they have earned and deserve. Our firm is proud of the fact that disability law is all we do.