Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. There are several criteria applicants must meet, including:
- You can no longer perform your former job
- You cannot perform other work due to your medical condition
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year, or is expected to result in your death.
The Social Security Administration has a Medically Approved Listing of Impairments that, if your condition is listed, can result in automatically qualifying you for benefits. Some ailments on their list include:
- Chronic coronary disease
- Mental disorders like autism, anxiety, and depression
- Hearing or vision loss
- Parkinson’s disease
- And many others.
If your condition does not appear on the SSA list, it does not mean that you will not be approved for benefits. It only means that your case will be reviewed and the SSA will make a decision as to whether or not your ailment qualifies.
In addition to having a medical condition that qualifies, you also need to meet certain work requirements. You must have worked for a certain amount of time in jobs that were covered by Social Security, and paid into the program. If you qualify, the amount of money you will receive is based on the lifetime average earnings in employment covered by Social Security. The total will be calculated based on the number of calendar quarters you worked and the age at which your disability began.
To be eligible, you also must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful alien status.
Why You Need an Attorney
Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits requires more than simply filling out an application. You must prove your condition – and your prognosis – and provide records of your work history. Getting the right documents and submitting the correct records can be time-consuming and confusing. You need an experienced SSDI attorney to help you determine if you are eligible, and what steps you need to take to receive benefits. A lawyer can help you navigate the required paperwork and correctly explain your medical condition to help you qualify for benefits.
We Can Help with Social Security Disability Insurance
If you need to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits due to a medical condition, it’s crucial to hire an experienced attorney to help you through the process and get the money you are owed. Call (405) 529-9377 for a free case review and to talk to our experienced attorneys.