Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

With a simple telephone conversation we’ll probably be able to give you a pretty good idea about your chances of successfully qualifying for social security/disability benefits.

Does Your Condition Qualify as a “Disability”?

The Social Security Administration defines a "disability" differently than it is used in other contexts. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program covers only total disabilities, not short-term or partial disabilities. Total disabilities have three requirements: 1. they prohibit the applicant from doing the work he or she once did, 2. they prohibit the applicant from adjusting to a new type of work, and 3. they last or are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Process for Determining Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine whether an applicant conditional satisfies the SSA's definition of “disabled.” You can make your own initial determination by using the SSA's Disability Planner.

You will need to consider the following:

• Are you currently working? – The answer should be no. You must not be gainfully employed (paid to work) if you hope to qualify as disabled. If you are currently working and earning more than $1,040 per month, you will probably not qualify for disability benefits.
• Are you suffering from a "severe" physical or mental condition? – Your physical or mental medical condition must interfere with your ability to perform the basic functions associated with your work be considered disabled.
• Is your condition included in the list of disabilities? – The SSA maintains a comprehensive list of medical conditions that are so severe by their very nature that they are automatically considered disabilities. Most of these listed medical conditions are permanent or are expected to result in death. Even if your condition is not included on the list, however, you may still qualify for disability benefits by providing supporting documentation, such as medical records, that your condition is severe, interferes with your ability to perform basic work functions and will last at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
• Can you perform the work you previously did? – The answer should be no. If your medical condition is not included in the list of disabilities, the SSA will consider all supporting documentation to determine whether your condition interferes with your ability to perform the work that you once did.
• Can you perform any other type of work? – If the SSA determines that you cannot perform the work that you once did, it will next determine whether you can perform other types of work. If you can adjust to different work based upon your education, training, abilities, etc., you may not qualify for benefits.

What Happens if Your Claim Is Approved

Speak with one of our experienced social security attorneys right now so we can help you determine whether your injuries meet the requirements of a disability as defined by the SSA and, if so, how much money you may be entitled to receive in benefits.

If your claim for benefits is approved, you will receive Social Security Disability benefits for the duration of your disability. The SSA will review your case from time to time to determine whether your health has improved enough for you to return to work.

Certain people may automatically qualify for SSDI benefits under special circumstances. The legally blind, widows or widowers of disabled workers, disabled children and wounded warriors may also be entitled to SSDI benefits and may even continue working in some instances.

More questions about your qualifications? Call 800-874-2577 to get answers.