You’ve worked hard and diligently for decades, but for whatever reason, you’re now disabled and no longer capable of working. Suddenly, you’re worried about bills, debts, keeping your home, and caring for your family. Speaking to an experienced disability attorney can ease your fears and anxieties. Depending on the specifics of your case, several options are available. A good disability lawyer can explain to you the details about applications, denials, hearings, and the appeals process for each of these options:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Only persons suffering from long-term, total disability are eligible to receive SSDI benefits. These benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration, but only to workers who have paid sufficient taxes into the Social Security Trust Fund.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – If you have not paid enough taxes into the Social Security Trust Fund, you may still be eligible to receive SSI benefits.
• Veterans Disability – You may be qualified to receive Veterans Disability benefits if you have been injured or otherwise disabled during military service. Those suffering from military-related, post-traumatic stress or other disabling psychological conditions may also be eligible to receive Veterans Disability benefits.
• Group Disability Insurance – A group disability policy is provided by many employers through the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). A disabled person insured through a group disability policy must present his or her disability claim to the plan’s administrator, along with evidence substantiating the disability.
• Individual Disability Insurance – These are insurance policies purchased privately and paid for directly by the insured party. Individual disability insurance benefits typically are not taxable.

Each of these programs and plans differs significantly from the others. Some programs only provide benefits to those who are one hundred percent disabled. Under other programs, you may be eligible to receive benefits for partial disability. Be prepared; frequently, your first claim will be denied. Hiring an experienced disability attorney dramatically increases the probability that you will receive the benefits you deserve. A good disability lawyer will also work diligently to expedite the process, so that you can begin receiving benefits promptly.

Most people have limited savings and resources, so if you are applying to receive disability benefits, if you are not sure whether you qualify, or if you are uncertain which benefits program is appropriate for you, speak as quickly as possible to an experienced disability attorney to obtain the help and advice you need.