Do you live in Oklahoma? Do you struggle with a difficult and disabling condition that has caused you to be unable to work and provide for yourself and those you love? If so, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and worried – and all of those feelings are normal. Without question, being disabled is difficult. The good news is that, depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for one or more types of disability benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the eligibility criteria and how you can apply if you qualify.
What Benefits Should You Pursue?
Depending upon your particular circumstances and the nature of your disability, you may qualify for one or more disability-related benefits. Some of the more common types of benefits include:
- Social Security Disability Benefits: There are two types of disability benefits offered by the Social Security Administration. These include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To receive either type of benefit, the applicant must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. While both benefits share this in common, they also differ in important ways. One essential difference is that SSDI benefits are for individuals who worked for a sufficient time and regularly paid taxes into the Social Security system, thereby making them “insured” from the perspective of the Social Security Administration. To receive SSI benefits, by contrast, an applicant does not have to be insured, but does have to have income and resources below a specific annual limit established by the Social Security Administration.
- Veterans Disability Benefits: As a general rule, veterans’ disability benefits are for veterans who incurred the disability in the line of service. The Office of Veterans Affairs typically administers these benefits to qualifying veterans.
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Workers’ compensation benefits are typically administered by each state, and benefits are generally available for individuals injured on the job and whose employer had workers’ compensation insurance.
- Short-term and Long-term Disability Policies: Sometimes, your employer may offer short-term and long-term disability as part of your employment, or you may have a privately held policy that you obtained yourself. Terms of these policies can vary widely, so whether or not your particular condition qualifies will depend on the terms of the particular policy itself.
In some cases, you may qualify for more than one type of benefit. Deciding which type of benefit to pursue and how to go about making a claim for those benefits may seem complicated and overwhelming. You may have concerns and worries about making sure that you fill out the right paperwork, gather the right medical evidence, and take all other necessary steps. Those worries are normal.
The good news is that whatever benefits you decide to pursue, you don’t have to pursue them alone. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can help you assess your particular situation and determine which type of benefit or combination of benefits is best. That attorney can also guide you through the process of completing necessary paperwork, and gathering the evidence you need for your particular claim.
How Much Will You Receive Each Month?
Often, people also wonder how much they might receive in benefits each month. The answer will depend upon various factors, including the type of benefit you apply for.
As far as Social Security benefits are concerned, those who are pursuing those benefits should know that there is a maximum monthly amount that can be received for each type of benefit. In 2025, the maximum amount of SSDI benefits that an individual can receive each month is $4018. The maximum amount of SSI benefits is $967 per month, or $1,450 per couple. How much you receive each month up to that limit will depend upon various factors, including your work and earnings history, as well as your income and resource level.
If you are pursuing another type of benefit, such as workers’ compensation benefits, veterans’ benefits, or benefits through a privately held, long-term, or short-term disability policy, calculation methods and maximum monthly benefit amounts will vary. Consulting with your attorney regarding your particular situation is always advised.
GCC Disability – Here For You
If you live in Oklahoma and you have a disability that prevents you from working and earning an income, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You may worry about how you’ll continue paying your bills and providing for yourself and your family. If so, you should know you aren’t alone. At GCC Disability, we understand the struggles that our disabled clients face, and we’re here to help. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.