Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income?

Social security benefits can be difficult to understand, but there are many people in this country who are forced to rely on social security for their income after suffering a debilitating injury.

SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance is intended to provide access to social security earlier than retirement age for those who become disabled are not able to work until their retirement age. SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, on the other hand, provides monetary assistance to people who are disabled of any age, including children, and to those who are over 65 (the retirement age) whether or not they are disabled.

Amount of Benefits
A major difference between SSI and SSDI are the amount of benefits received. SSI provides a set monthly benefit. The amount received under SSI is based on a number of factors, including whether the beneficiary lives alone, amount of rent received, and what kind of disability they may suffer from. SSI is a safety net, and any other income received will reduce the total amount of SSI received. SSI is also a "need-based" benefit. There must be financial necessity in order to qualify for SSI.

SSDI, however, is a monthly benefit calculated according to the payroll taxes the beneficiary has paid throughout their career. The intent is to pay the amount the beneficiary would receive if they worked until their full retirement age.

If you would like to learn more about the difference between SSI and SSDI, please contact the experienced Social Security attorneys at Stipe Injury Law today for your free consultation.

Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance?

When tragedy strikes resulting in physical or mental injuries that prevent us from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is there to help. It can be a difficult process, however, to actually obtain the SSDI benefits we may be entitled to.

There are a number of requirements one must meet in order to be eligible to receive SSDI. These include:

• That you suffer from a physical or mental impairment that is considered severe. In order to qualify as a severe impairment, the injury must have an effect on your ability to function and perform daily tasks.
• That such harm has lasted more than one year. If your condition has not yet lasted one year, it must be “projected” to last at least that long.
• You are unable to return to your past work or any other form of work. Past work includes any job you have performed in the past fifteen years. Future work means any work you can reasonably be expected to perform given your education, background and work history.

Paperwork is also an important part of receiving SSDI benefits. The more paperwork you have, the easier it will be to receive the benefits you may deserve. Keep all medical records and copies of any medical bills from any medical professional you received treatment from.

If you would like to learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance, please contact the experienced SSDI attorneys at Stipe Injury Law today for your free consultation.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle accidents, more often than automobile accidents, result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Motorcycles provide little protection for the rider when involved in an accident. Motorcycles are also usually driven at a higher rate of speed, and are easier to lose control of than passenger vehicles.

It is very important for you to be aware of the differing motorcycle laws in your state. In Oklahoma, only those riders who are under the age of 18 are required to where helmets the comply with the standards set out in the Oklahoma statute. Title 47 states, ”All crash helmets shall consist of lining, padding and chin straps and be of the type as not to distort the view of the driver.”

That statute also gives the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety the authority to approve or disapprove of any helmets sold or being used in the state of Oklahoma. While such laws are excellent to have on the books, it is recommended that people over the age of 18 wear protective head gear while riding motorcycles as well.

Motorcycles are fun to drive, but be safe when driving. A motorcycle rider who does not wear a helmet is three times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury when involved in an accident than a rider who wears a helmet. Wearing a helmet does not only protect you when involved in an accident, however, helmets also protect against inclement weather, they protect your eyes from debris, and they provide protection from the wind.

If you would like to learn more about motorcycle safety, please contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Stipe Injury Law today for your free consultation.