top of page
Search

Legal Planning for Your Family Member’s Decline

  • Writer: Melinda Brown
    Melinda Brown
  • Oct 16, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 8, 2024


Social Security Disability

Many people believe they may qualify for disability, but have no idea where to start. The best place to begin is by filing an application. But how do you do that?


The first thing you need to decide is whether you file for standard disability (Title II or SSDI) or supplemental security income (Title XVI or SSI). In order to qualify for standard disability, you need to have worked half of the last 10 years. If you are not sure if you have worked enough, you can always call your local Social Security office and ask them if you have enough credits to qualify.


Once you decide you are applying for standard disability, the best way to proceed is to go to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ and file your application. There are a number of other sites that appear very similar to the Social Security website, but the only way to apply directly to the Social Security Administration is through SSA.gov.


The other option for disability benefits is for SSI which is specifically for persons falling below the poverty threshold. To apply for these benefits, you need to contact the local Social Security office and ask them to schedule an appointment to apply. You can apply for both standard disability and SSI if you meet both the work credit requirement and the poverty threshold. If you want to file for both types of benefits, begin the application process online and when asked, indicate you wish to file for SSI. You will then need to contact the local office to complete the SSI portion.


Going through the process can be confusing, stressful, and frustrating for many people. The good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone. You do not need to have money up front to hire an attorney. Call today to get a free consultation today!


 
 
 

Comments


REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Free, No Obligation

Thanks for submitting!

  • Facebook

201 E Main St Suite 410

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

(615) 257-2277

***By checking the checkbox above, I agree to receive text messages from MELINDA BROWN LAW. Messaging frequency may vary. To opt out, text STOP. For assistance, text HELP or visit https://www.melindabrownlaw. You have the right to opt out at any time from receiving SMS text messages. Contact us to stop receiving SMS text messages***

Legal Disclaimer
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. This site and its information are not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Contacting Melinda Brown Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. Until an attorney-client relationship is established, please withhold from sending any confidential information to us.

Privacy Policy
We will collect the contact information indicated above and the content of the message you sent to us. We use this information to contact you concerning the legal matter you inquired about and to determine if we might be able to represent you in that matter. We do not share this information with any third-parties. Information about whether or not you chose to opt-in or opt-out of receiving SMS text messages, or your consent to receive SMS text messages, will not be shared with any third-parties. We will not disclose any information and phone numbers with any affiliate marketing or third parties.

Terms & Conditions

SMS Terms of Service
By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you are agreeing to receive SMS messages from MELINDA BROWN LAW. This includes SMS messages for appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, post-visit instructions, and billing notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. See privacy policy at https://www.melindabrownlaw.com/. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.

 

© 2025 Melinda Brown Law. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page