There are a number of things that the social Security Administration (SSA) looks at when they are deciding if you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. Keep reading to learn what they are, what medical eligibility is, and how The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can help. Then contact an experienced attorney by calling us at 800-333-0000.
The Basic Criteria Needed to Qualify for SSDI
In order to qualify for benefits, there are medical and non-medical requirements. Briefly, they are as follows:
- The applicant must have a medically determinable disability that significantly limits their ability to be employed
- The medical condition of the application must be terminal or likely to last at least 12 months
- The applicant must have enough work credits
Note that when the SSD determines if a person can work, they are referring to the ability to earn at least $1,310 per month, or, for a blind person, $2,190.
Meeting the Medical Eligibility Requirement
The SSA will look at the medical records included with an application to determine if an applicant has met the medical eligibility requirements of receiving SSD. If the applicant qualifies, then the SSD will require that they meet certain non-medical portions of the review. This includes information in the applicant’s work history and evaluation of their financial records.
Meeting the Gainful Employment Requirement
If you are working or are able to work with your medical limitation, then the SSA will want to determine if you meet the “gainful employment” threshold. They will do so by looking at your earnings history, your employment history, your education, your training, and any other qualifications they believe would allow you to work in your field or another field.
The Non-Medical Part of SSD
You also have a non-medical part of the review process to pass. This involves your employment history and work credit status. In order to qualify for benefits, you must have contributed to the Social Security fund through payroll deductions in the decade before your injury or health condition occurred.
Determining how many work credits are required can be complicated. It depends on the age you are at the point at which you apply for benefits. You can print out the number of credits you have by visiting the SSI site and downloading the information.
Get Help from an Experienced SSDI Attorney
The truth is that this process can be complicated. It can take months or, in the event of denials and appeals, it can take years to get approved. Working with an attorney who knows how to fight these cases can help increase the chance that your case will move forward as quickly as possible with the best possible outcome. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker now at 800-333-0000 to learn more.
