Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that allows workers to earn coverage for benefits when they become too ill or injured to continue working. Credits are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. The Social Security Administration is a federal agency responsible for determining eligibility for this program and administering benefits.
When it comes to filing for SSDI benefits, the SSA does not define “disability” as a specific disease or circumstance. Rather, the agency will look at functional limitations that impact a person’s ability to work. According to the SSA, a disability is based on your inability to work as a result of a medical condition, which may be physical, mental or both.
A Houston disability attorney can help you understand what being disabled means under SSDI, the complete process of getting benefits, but there are some basic factors.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security disability program is differs in many ways from group disability benefit plans you might have through your employer, or private disability plans that you can purchase on your own. What does being disabled mean to the Social Security Administration? To be able to qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet these conditions:
- You are unable to perform the work you have previously been employed in and are unable to adjust to other work because of a severe medical condition.
- Your medical condition must last or be anticipated to last for at least one year or result in death.
- Your disability must be total. Benefits are not payed for partial disability or short-term disability.
Factors that will be considered in your SSDI claim include your medical condition, ability to work, age, education and work experience. A Social Security disability lawyer will be able to fully explain the process, requirements and documentation needed to demonstrate a disability and be approved for benefits.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, those applying for benefits must also have accumulated at least 40 work credits. These credits are earned by working a job in which Social Security taxes were taken out of the worker’s wages. A total of 4 work credits can be earned each year.
If you have a medical condition that inhibits your ability to work and provide for you and your family, the Houston disability attorneys at the Law Offices Of M. Stanley Whitehead can give you the assistance you need to apply for benefits or appeal a denial. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today for a free consultation and learn what legal options are available.
