Disability is defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of no less than 12 months. A claimant is responsible for proving that they are disabled and unable to work for at least 12 months. You cannot allege you are unable to work, but must prove it by submitting medically acceptable evidence to the SSA. The SSA oversees two federal programs designed to help those unable able to sustain work due to long lasting or permanent disabilities: The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
If you are disabled from performing substantial employment, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Differences between SSDI and SSI:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the program for those who have paid into the Social Security system. It is a form of insurance for those who were employed, and while working, they contributed to this fund through payroll deductions. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the program for those individuals with limited resources who have become disabled. It is a needs based program. There are work requirements and quarters of coverage necessary for SSDI, but not for SSI. There are asset and resource limits for SSI, but not for SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be awarded to persons with low income and who are disabled. In addition, SSI children’s disability benefits can be awarded to children 18 years old and younger who are disabled and whose parents or guardians have low income and very little resources.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be awarded to disabled persons who have regularly held a job and have a documented work history. In most cases, a person can be eligible for SSDI benefits if they have been employed five out of the last ten years.
Let us help you get started on finding your solution!
Advantages with entitlement to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits:
1. Cost of Living Raises
Social Security often pays yearly cost of living raises that are yours to keep. Also, if you receive Long Term Disability benefits (LTD) through your employer, the yearly cost of living raises will not offset your LTD benefit. This means you will receive more money per month even though your monthly LTD benefit will be reduced by the amount of the initial Social Security monthly amount.
2. Increased Social Security Retirement Benefits
Entitlement to Social Security disability will “freeze” your earnings record and exclude those disabled, non-working years so you can receive a higher Social Security retirement benefit at age 65. If you are receiving LTD benefits, for every year you receive LTD benefits and do not collect Social Security disability, zero (0) earnings are factored in to your Social Security record. This can substantially lower your future Social Security retirement benefits. As a result, by “freezing” your earnings record through entitlement to Social Security disability benefits, you do not put your retirement benefits at risk if you become disabled.
3. Health Insurance through Medicare Entitlement
Twenty-four (24) months after entitlement to Social Security disability benefits, you can become entitled to Medicare benefits. This inexpensive health insurance includes Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical benefits regardless of age.
4. Tax Advantages
The majority of Social Security recipients receive their benefits tax free. If you currently pay taxes on your LTD benefits, you may realize tax savings if you receive Social Security disability benefits.
5. Trial Work Period
In most cases, entitlement to Social Security disability benefits also entitles you to a trial work period, which allows you to work for up to nine (9) months while you still receive your full Social Security disability benefit.
Please call or email our office for a FREE consultation, as we are here to help. We can be reached at (703) 241-2625 or via email at info@cervonidisabilitylaw.com. Our local office services Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
Why Work with Us
We Have the Ability to Simplify a Complicated Process and Make Applying for Benefits Easier
- No travel to our office is necessary
- We can offer guidance on how to get the appropriate documentation
- No money upfront – we don’t receive a legal fee unless you win
- We build as strong a case as possible for a favorable outcome
- You will have a dedicated case manager to coordinate all aspects of your case
Request a Free Consultation or Contact Us
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
We have Assisted Hundreds of Clients with Mental and Physical Disabilities
Best SSD Lawyer
Richard, July 7, 2022
Richard, July 7, 2022
They clearly care about each client
Tanner B., 10/14/2022
Tanner B., 10/14/2022
Not enough words to explain how blessed I am to have found this firm and what they have done to turn my life around for the better!
Amir Z., 10/14/2022
Amir Z., 10/14/2022
I had nothing but a wonderful experience from the moment I contacted Mr Cervoni’s office.
S A., 3/3/2022
S A., 3/3/2022
Mr. Cervoni and his staff were very professional, responsive, and understanding.
Karen M., 3/22/2022
Karen M., 3/22/2022
I highly recommend Mr. Cervoni as your disability attorney.
Tida L., 8/18/2022
Tida L., 8/18/2022
Wonderful Experience!
Anonymous, 9/6/2023
Anonymous, 9/6/2023
He is a very caring lawyer.
Natasha J., 2/13/2024
Natasha J., 2/13/2024
Absolutely the best
Jennifer, February 15, 2024
Jennifer, February 15, 2024
Won my Case Hands Down
Glenda, December 16, 2023
Glenda, December 16, 2023
Highly recommend
anonymous, November 27, 2023
anonymous, November 27, 2023
Total Satisfaction
David, October 12, 2023
David, October 12, 2023
Best Ever
Mr. Cervoni and associates clearly communicated the whole process and procedures. In addition, they keep you updated with any changes. Cervoni Disability law are trustworthy, reliable, dependable, and committed to providing the best possible outcome.
I have the utmost trust and confidence with Cervoni Disability Law and was very pleased with the results that I got and would recommend Cervoni Disability Law to anyone looking to manage their disability case.
Michael R., May 3, 2022
Michael R., May 3, 2022
Great experience!
Theresa, March 22, 2022
Theresa, March 22, 2022
Responsive and professional
Karen, March 22, 2022
Karen, March 22, 2022
Wonderful experience
Syrenia, March 3, 2022
Syrenia, March 3, 2022
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I STILL Cannot Recommend Mr. Cervoni Enough
Awesome litigator!
SSDI Approved!
Posted by Frank, September 3, 2021
Posted by Frank, September 3, 2021
VERY HAPPY CLIENT
Posted by S.M., December 16, 2021
Posted by S.M., December 16, 2021
Excellent Attorney
anonymous, January 8, 2022
anonymous, January 8, 2022
I have the utmost respect for Mr. Cervoni and his staff
R.Matvich, Feb 12, 2022
R.Matvich, Feb 12, 2022
Social Security Disability Claim
Posted by Pat, November 10, 2021
Posted by Pat, November 10, 2021
I was not disappointed
My SSA disability appeal
Posted by Stephanie on Avvo, July 1, 2021
Posted by Stephanie on Avvo, July 1, 2021
Derek Cervoni is a great lawyer and as others have written
Dominic Bellone
Dominic Bellone
My claim was approved and I couldn’t recommend his work more
Posted by Dominic Bellone, on Google, June 17, 2021
Posted by Dominic Bellone, on Google, June 17, 2021
Highly Recommend
Posted by Dominic on Avvo, June 11, 2021
Posted by Dominic on Avvo, June 11, 2021
What a Life Saver and the Very Best Disability Attorney in the DMV!
Posted by Craig, on Avvo, March 30, 2021
Posted by Craig, on Avvo, March 30, 2021
Successful outcome for SSDI
Posted by Bob, on Google, March 29, 2021
Posted by Bob, on Google, March 29, 2021
Disability Lawyer A+
Posted by Kim, on Avvo, March 17, 2021
Posted by Kim, on Avvo, March 17, 2021
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
Carmen Grady, On Google, 3/15/2021
Carmen Grady, On Google, 3/15/2021
Super Lawyer
Anonymous, On Avvo
Anonymous, On Avvo
Ms Mo
Ramona, on Avvo
Ramona, on Avvo
Knowledgeable and treated me with respect during the entire process
Posted by Desiree Smith, July 1, 2021
Posted by Desiree Smith, July 1, 2021
Winner!
Posted by Diana on Avvo 1/13/2021
Posted by Diana on Avvo 1/13/2021
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Posted by Ziaur Rahman on Google 1/12/2021
Posted by Ziaur Rahman on Google 1/12/2021
Won Hearing after two Denials
Posted by Rene C. on Google 1/19/2021
Posted by Rene C. on Google 1/19/2021
Social Security Disability Claim
Posted by Nazia on Avvo 1/8/2021
Posted by Nazia on Avvo 1/8/2021
Derek S Cervoni
Posted by Romona on Avvo, December 15, 2020
Posted by Romona on Avvo, December 15, 2020
#1 in my book!
Posted by Grover on Avvo, December 3, 202
Posted by Grover on Avvo, December 3, 202
Thank you!
Posted by Anonymous on Avvo, 12/2/2020
Posted by Anonymous on Avvo, 12/2/2020
Experienced, Efficient, and Accessible
Posted by Posted by Eliza on Avvo, 11/21/2020
Posted by Posted by Eliza on Avvo, 11/21/2020
Successful SSDI claim
Posted by David on Avvo, September 22, 2020
Posted by David on Avvo, September 22, 2020
Cervoni Disability Law
Posted by anonymous on Avvo, September 2, 2020
Posted by anonymous on Avvo, September 2, 2020
Ultimately awarded benefits after Mr. Cervoni had the ALJ’s unfavorable decision vacated
Will M., posted 9/2/2020 on Yelp
Will M., posted 9/2/2020 on Yelp
Competent, considerate and responsive attorney
Posted by Asif F. - August 25, 2020 on Avvo
Posted by Asif F. - August 25, 2020 on Avvo
We got approved the FIRST TIME!
D. Riley - July 21, 2020
D. Riley - July 21, 2020
We are forever grateful to Mr. Cervoni and his amazing staff
Lisa D.
Lisa D.
Derek Cervoni is the best!
Lisa on Avvo
Lisa on Avvo
My case turned out favorably, thanks to Cervoni Disability Law
Meredith R.
Meredith R.
Smooth Process
Meredith on Avvo
Meredith on Avvo
Best SSDI attorney in the area
June 3, 2020
Mr. Cervoni and his associates were caring and held my hand all the way through for the entire process when the other attorneys wouldn't take my case. Thank you!
Vicky on Avvo
Vicky on Avvo
Mr. Cervoni thank you because I was going to give up
Jamaica
Jamaica
Amazing Victory in my 2 year long disability case!
Ms. E
Ms. E
Derek Turned a Very Difficult Task (for me) Into a Very Stress-Free Experience.
Dale
Dale
Mr. Cervoni is an Excellent Social Security Disability lawyer
Essam
Essam
Great Lawyer for SSDI
Robin
Robin
Great advocate for navigating the system
Anonymous on AVVO
Anonymous on AVVO
I recommend
Linda
Linda
Outstanding lawyer
Otmar
Otmar
Will Work Hard for You
Rebeckah on Avvo
Rebeckah on Avvo