Attorneys for Social Security Disability Eligibility
Being disabled is not enough to qualify a person for disability benefits. If you have tried to deal with the Social Security Administration on your own or have already received a denied claim notice, talk to the experienced lawyers at Ross, Quinn and Ploppert.
Our firm helps people throughout Pennsylvania and Florida obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they need and deserve. We know the law. We know how the system works. We have a very methodical and thorough approach for handling disability claims that we know from experience really works.
Which Type of Claim Should You File?
To obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you have to have earned a certain number of “work credits” in recent years. Work credits are complicated and difficult to explain, but what they essentially measure is how much you’ve paid into the system in FICA taxes. To obtain SSI benefits, you do not have to have worked a day in your life, but you must show that you have a financial need.
Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Although the disability benefits available under SSD and SSI are different, the definition of “disability” each program uses and the disability claims process for each is the same. Eligibility requirements are basically the same as well. Essentially, if you have an impairment that meets the SSA’s definition of a disability and can prove that you have been or will be unable to do any job for at least one full year because of it, you meet the minimum requirements.
For SSD, you will also need to have enough of a work history. For SSI, you will need to prove that you meet the SSA’s definition of “impoverished.” To learn more, please see the FAQ pages we have provided for SSD and SSI.
SSI and SSD Benefits Lawyers
Work history is important:
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance you must have worked long enough and recently enough under the Social Security Administration rules. Social Security determines your eligibility based on “work credits.” You earn work one work credit for every $1,200 you earn in wages or self-employment income in a one year span. You may earn up to 4 work credits in a calendar year. Generally, you must have gained at least 20 work credits in the last 10 years to be eligible. However, younger people may be eligible with less work credits. It is important to remember that work credits expire after a certain amount of time, so the best thing to do is to act as soon as possible.
Do you have a qualifying condition?
You should always remember that Social Security only recognizes total, long-term, disabilities. This means that partial disabilities or short-term disabilities are not recognized by the Social Security Administration.
- Your disability must be expected to last at least one year or end in death;
- Your disability must be severe enough to keep you from working in any full time job while dealing with the condition (Social Security considers full time work to be any work in which you earn more than $1,070 per month)
The easiest way to understand whether or not you have a qualifying disability is by calling our office and speaking with one of our client service representatives today. You may reach our office toll free at 1-800-488-4775.
What kind of evidence do I need?
Both medical and non-medical evidence is needed to prove your disability case.
Medical Evidence:
It is extremely important to regularly visit your doctors for your medical conditions. During these doctor’s visits you should make a point to mention your symptoms and any side effects from medications you are on for your conditions. In addition to medical records, our office prepares specialized questionnaires for your doctor to fill out describing your conditions, and how your conditions affect your ability to work.
Non-Medical Evidence:
Since Social Security Disability eligibility is based on more than just a medical disability, it is important to keep or collect non-medical information that will make it easier for Social Security to award you benefits. This includes tax information, information about the type of work that you performed, an original birth certificate, and any workers’ compensation or private disability claim information relating to your conditions.
Call our office today and see if you qualify:
While we provide the information above about Social Security Disability benefits so that you will better understand if you are eligible, the best way to check your eligibility is by calling our office and speaking to one of our client service representatives today. You may reach our office toll free at 1-800-488-4775.