Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What Is Social Security Disability (SSD)?
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are intended to help individuals who have worked five out of the last ten years who have become disabled, as defined by Social Security, and can no longer work or expected to be out of work for at least 12 consecutive months. Per Social Security, you are disabled if you have an “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
So, if you are a hard working person who has been diagnosed with a problem that is expected to last for 12 months and you can no longer work, we can help you receive the Social Security Disability benefits that you rightfully deserve. Our Social Security laws are set up to help those individuals who have paid into Social Security but for one reason or another have become disabled physically and/or mentally and can no longer work.
When you decide to apply for SSD, it is a very hard decision to make. We have a lot of clients who have struggled with this question for months, or a year or longer, before finally coming to us for help. We understand how difficult this decision is to make. Then, even after you decide, getting through the process is very long and very difficult. There is a lot of paperwork that must be filled out, completed correctly, and then submitted to SSA. Our staff is trained thoroughly to make sure that you submit the proper paperwork and medical evidence in which SSA will need to make an informed decision on your case.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is a federal welfare program created for people who become disabled but have not worked five out of the last ten years. This is a need-based program, therefore, SSA will take into account your household income and assets to determine if you are eligible for SSI AND your medical conditions which make you disabled.
How Does the SSA Process Work for SSD and SSI Claims?
For both SSD and SSI, the medical & disability standard is the same. Also, an individual can obtain both Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefits, however, there may be an offset of benefits.
When Should You File a Disability Claim?
You should not wait to file an application after you have become disabled. You should file disability benefits the same day that you believe you are disabled and unable to work. Don’t make the common mistake of waiting months or even years after becoming disabled before filing a Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. If you suffer a serious illness or injury and expect to be out of work for a year or more, you should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits.
Common Questions About Social Security Disability
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is an insurance program for workers who have paid Social Security taxes for 5 of the last 10 years. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program for people with limited income and assets who may not qualify for SSDI. Both require the same medical disability standard — a condition expected to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. Learn more in our article SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the Difference and Who Qualifies?
You qualify if your condition prevents substantial work for at least 12 months — not because of a specific diagnosis. SSA’s Listing of Impairments (the “Blue Book”) covers common conditions like spinal disorders, heart disease, COPD, depression, and cancer, but you can also qualify through a medical-vocational allowance if your limitations prevent any work. See our article What Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability? for details.
An initial decision usually takes 3 to 5 months. If your claim is denied and you appeal to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, expect 12 to 18 months from the hearing request to a decision. The full process — from application through hearing decision — can take 1 to 2 years or more, depending on the hearing office backlog. See our article How Long Does a Social Security Disability ALJ Hearing Take? for a step-by-step timeline.
File an appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial letter — missing the deadline usually means starting over. The first appeal level is a Request for Reconsideration (a new SSA reviewer re-examines your file). If denied again, you can request an ALJ hearing, where most approved claims are won. You can submit new medical evidence at each level. See our article Denied Social Security Disability? Here Are Your Next Steps for the full appeal process.
SSDI back pay covers the months from your established onset date — after a five-month waiting period — through the date your claim is approved, multiplied by your monthly benefit rate. SSI back pay has no waiting period but is paid in installments when the past-due amount is large. Your attorney’s fee (up to 25%, capped by SSA) is withheld from past-due benefits. See our article How Social Security Disability Back Pay Is Calculated for a worked example.
An attorney improves your chances of approval by ensuring your application is complete, gathering strong medical evidence, and representing you at hearings. At Lang Law, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay no fee unless we win your case. Over 60% of initial applications are denied, and most approved claims succeed on appeal, where legal representation has the greatest impact. See our article How an Attorney Can Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim for details.
What Our SSD Clients Say
★★★★★ out of 5 based on 4 client reviews.
★★★★★
Ended My Homelessness
“I had all but given up hope on mine ever being granted my s.s.d.i. I was stuck in a rut of homelessness which was headed towards a bitter end. I was unable to work at any job due to my disability. I saw the ad for Lang Law and called Ms. Lang. This was about March of 2026, I did what she suggested I do and seven months later I was awarded a large amount of back-pay and a monthly check for life. THANK GOD and Ms. Lang for I would have perished without her sincere care and expertise!”
Eugene, Denver, CO · CO · SSD · March 2026
★★★★★
Trustworthy
“Looking for someone you can trust? Look no more! I was scared, anxious and a total mess but Julie brought a sense of calm and expertise that is seldom seen in the legal field. She was always prompt and personable every time I contacted her. We felt that she went the extra mile for us. She treated us like we mattered, like we were her only clients and that just doesn't seem to happen much any more. Thank you so much.”
Nick, Raleigh, NC · NC · SSD · April 2026
★★★★★
Responsive
“Julie A. Lang was a God sent I would recommend her to everyone who's looking for a lawyer. She responded to emails and faxes promptly. She's very knowledgable and most of all she cared about me. I thank her for that so many attorneys you get confused as to who's side their on but not JULIE she's there for her clients.”
Vanessa, Austin, TX · TX · SSD · May 2026
★★★★★
Respect
“Went out of her way to represent me. Julie helped me tremendously in an extremely troubling time in my life. She was always on top of the situation ... And treated me with the utmost respect. She treats her client's like a person...not a number. And in today's society ... Is a very rare thing. Julie is tops in my opinion!!!”
Robert, Baltimore, MD · MD · SSD · July 2026
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Testimonials are from actual clients of Lang Law, LLC and are republished with consent. Names have been anonymized to protect client confidentiality.