Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?

There are several programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities.

The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for benefits under either program, applicants must meet certain medical and non-medical requirements.

What Is Considered a Disability?

The first step in determining whether or not you qualify for benefits is understanding what the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a “disability.” 

To award benefits, the SSA defines a disability as the inability to work due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to result in death or last at least 12 months.

In order for your condition to meet this definition, it must completely prevent you from being able to perform basic work activities. Additionally, your condition must be supported by medical evidence from qualified sources.

What if Your Condition Is Not Listed?

Just because your particular condition is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book doesn’t mean that you won’t qualify for benefits. The SSA will consider all of the facts in your case, including your age, education, past work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC), in order to determine whether or not there are other types of work that you can still perform, given your limitations. If the SSA finds that there is other work you can do, then your claim will be denied.

Medical Requirements

In addition to qualifying conditions, applicants must submit medical evidence documenting their disability to the SSA. This evidence can come from doctors' notes, hospital records, test results, etc.

Gender and Age Requirements

There are no gender requirements to qualify for social security disability benefits. However, there are age requirements. Applicants for SSDI benefits must be 18 years or older. For SSI benefits, applicants must be 65 years or older, blind, or permanently and severely disabled.

Work History Requirements

As mentioned earlier, there is a work history requirement to qualify for SSDI benefits. To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security for a minimum number of years. 

The number of years required depends on the applicant's age. SSI does not have this same requirement, although you still need to be a citizen or a certain type of legal alien.

Conclusion

If you think you may qualify for social security disability benefits, the best thing to do is reach out to the SSA directly to discuss your unique case. You can also look for a law office in your area that specializes in SSDI cases. An attorney will know how to navigate the system and can make things a lot easier for you. Every case is unique, but hopefully, this post has given you a general idea of who qualifies for Social Security Disability and how to utilize these benefits.

Understanding the Steps for Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits

Many people have earned their disability benefits, but some have not. It is essential to understand the government's steps to approve your claim for disability benefits. 

By knowing precisely what is required, you can make your case more effective. Applications for social security disability are accepted at any time, but they're usually processed faster if they're filed within three months after the onset of symptoms or diagnosis. 

If your condition worsens over time, apply as soon as possible. This article will explore the steps necessary for filing a disability claim successfully.

Register With the State Disability Determination Services

Your doctor will fill out a "medical statement" form when they agree that you are disabled enough to qualify for disability benefits. You'll need to register with the state agency in charge of deciding disability claims (often called Disability Determination Services). This agency will ask you for information about your health and work history.

Wait for Approval or Denial

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will examine your application and determine whether you meet the criteria for receiving any social security disability benefits at all. 

If they determine that you do, they will approve your application and send you a letter letting you know this. If they deny your application, they will notify you in writing and let you know why they made this decision.

Get a Referral From Your Doctor

If your doctor says your injury or illness makes it impossible for you to work and that you need time off, file a claim with your employer. 

They'll also have to give their professional opinion about whether there are any jobs that you could do by modifying your duties or hours. This will get you paid while you're away from work.

Description of Your Disability

To collect social security disability, you must have a severe medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration has published a list of all the diseases and conditions considered disabling. 

You can find this list on the SSA website. It includes more than 1,000 specific diseases and conditions. If your condition isn't on this list, it won't get you disability benefits.

In many cases, receiving benefits for a disability has been streamlined, making it easier for people who are disabled and in need of benefits to receiving them. 

Applying for social security disability benefits is a detailed process, requiring support and oversight from someone who understands how to get the most out of their application. 

The Disability Services Unit offers assistance in navigating this process and helping you achieve success.

Step by Step Guide to Getting Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits are designed to help you provide for yourself and your family if you cannot work due to a disability or medical condition. 

It can be hard to get approved for disability benefits. In fact, most people who apply for benefits are denied the first time. However, you can do the following to ensure that you get approved for disability benefits.

Make Sure that You Qualify

Simply having a disability is not enough to qualify for benefits. You must have a condition that interferes with your ability to walk, stand, lift or sit. Cognitive issues can also qualify you for disability.

Your condition also has to last for at least 12 months. If you have a problem that you are likely to recover from within 12 months, then you may not qualify for benefits.

Get Your Medical Records Together

You need to submit proof of disability along with your Social Security disability claims. Your medical records can prove that you are disabled. That is why you need to make sure that you make copies of everything that you submit to the Social Security Disability Administration.

Submit a Copy of Your Work History

Many people are denied Social Security disability benefits because they decide to skip this step. The reason that the Social Security Administration asks to see your work history is that they want to verify that your disability will stop you from doing your job. 

You should make sure that you include when you worked, where you worked, your job title, and your specific job duties.

Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney

Many people wait until they are denied benefits to hiring an attorney. However, it is best for you to hire an attorney before you apply for benefits. 

Your attorney can help you file a claim and make sure that you have all of the information that you need to support the claim. Your chances of getting approved for benefits will be a lot higher if you hire an attorney.

Before you apply for benefits, you will need to make sure that you have a condition that qualifies for it. You will also need to get all of your medical records together and submit a copy of your work history. Furthermore, it is a good idea for you to consult with a Social Security disability attorney.