Carefully Addressing SSD and SSI Eligibility Concerns
Determining eligibility for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits is largely based on your level of disability and your ability to hold gainful employment. If you are unable to work due to disability or illness and you meet the SSD or SSI disability requirements, the assistance of an experienced lawyer may be vital in helping you obtain the benefits you need to provide a comfortable life for you and your family.
The Social Security Administration considers someone disabled if:
- They cannot do work as they had been done before
- The SSA determines the applicant cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition(s)
- The disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or will result in death.
- Many diseases and health conditions, both physical and mental, may qualify for benefits. Frequently, it is a COMBINATION of conditions that results in a ruling of being “disabled.”
Other requirements include:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18-62
- Work History: Applicants must have worked and paid into the SSD system within the last five calendar years.
- Employment: Are you working? Generally, if someone is working and making more than $1,000 a month, that person is NOT considered disabled.
- Medical History: Are you currently seeing a doctor? SSD claims are based at least partially on ongoing and consistent medical records.
Other factors, including past income and education level, may be used to determine the amount of assistance you receive. Our staff takes great care to offer the advice you need to understand the process, how to properly apply, and what you can expect to receive from the SSD program.
