Are you disabled and unable to work? You may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration offers two Social Security Disability benefit programs for individuals who are disabled and are unable to work.
Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) was created to help the primary wage earner of a family replace their wage if they became disabled due to a mental or physical condition and are unable to work. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are only available to employees who have worked and paid enough employment taxes to earn 20-40 work credits. Social Security Disability Insurance is also available to the widows, widowers or dependent children of the wage earner who is deceased, disabled or retired and is currently receiving SSDI benefits or has received SSDI benefits in the past.
If you are disabled and unable to work, but do not have a significant work history, you may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Supplemental Security Income benefits were developed by the Federal Government to help individuals who have limited resources and income but have not worked enough to earn work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. To qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits you must be disabled, aged 65 or older, or have a Social Security blindness disability. In addition, you must meet the current resources and income limitations which are approximately $2000 per individual and $3,000 per couple for 2008.
If you would like more information about Social Security Disability benefits and you live in Louisiana and would like to apply for Social Security Disability help in Louisiana you can contact the Social Security Administration Office at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov. If you would like to meet with a Social Security Administration representative in person to complete your Social Security Disability application, visit one of the Louisiana Social Security Administration regional offices.