Am I Eligible?: Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
If you suffer from a long term medical condition, injury, or other illness that makes it difficult or impossible for you to earn a living, it’s important to explore whether or not you qualify for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. A skilled attorney and SSD ADR (accredited disability representative) can take the time to review the facts of your case and help you understand what to expect.
Threshold Requirements
To be considered eligible for Social Security disability benefits, an applicant must have worked for a specific number of years and built up a certain amount of work credits. The amount needed will depend on your age and number of years worked. That said, if you or your loved one have never worked, you may not be able to claim benefits for SSD. There may be other benefit programs available to you. Discuss this matter with your legal advocate for more information.
The Definition of Disability
Assuming you or your loved one have built up enough work credits to qualify for SSD, the Social Security Administration will then look at the nature of your claimed disability. Disability has a distinct definition. You must have a physical or mental impairment or condition that keeps you from doing any substantial work. It has to have lasted at least a year or be considered terminal. The S.S.A. uses a lengthy list of impairments that are generally considered disabling; the condition must, before anything else, be part of this list.
How to Prove a Disability
In addition to referencing the list of impairments, the S.S.A. will ask you to submit to their own specialists and medical examiners. Those experts will look at your residual function and make a report to the S.S.A. with their opinion of your disability. If you lose at the claims level, you may be able to win on appeal. Your legal advocate can discuss with you ways to provide more documentation and evidence concerning your disability.
To speak to an experienced Social Security representative, contact Disability Benefits, Inc. To schedule a meeting for an initial consultation with Ken Pilla to discuss your potential eligibility, call (800) 848-6210.
