How Can I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

 Posted on November 02, 2021 in Social Security Disability

Injuries, illnesses, and other health issues can affect people in many different ways. While some people can continue working and supporting themselves while dealing with these issues, others may experience disabilities that make it impossible to earn sufficient income. For those who are unable to work, Social Security disability benefits can provide assistance and ensure that they will have the financial resources to provide for their ongoing needs. By understanding how Social Security determines whether a person is disabled, those who plan to apply for disability benefits can make sure they will be eligible for financial assistance.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Social Security will only provide benefits in cases where a person has a total disability, and it will not address partial disabilities or short-term disabilities. A condition will only be considered a disability if it has already lasted for at least 12 months, if it is expected to affect a person for one year or more, or if it is expected to result in death. To qualify as a total disability, a condition must cause a person to be unable to do work that they had done previously, and a person must be unable to adjust to other forms of work.

While a person will usually apply for disability benefits if they are unemployed because of their health conditions, they may qualify for benefits if they are working but earn less than the amount that Social Security considers to be substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2022, SGA is defined as an average monthly income of $1,350 or $2,260 for a person who is blind. 

Certain types of conditions will automatically qualify as disabilities, as long as they have lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 months. These conditions are included in what is known as the “Listing of Impairments.” If a condition is listed as one of these types of impairments, it may still qualify as a disability if it is functionally the same as a listed impairment or if medical evidence shows that the condition prevents a person from maintaining substantial gainful activity.

Depending on the type of disability a person is applying for, their work history may also be considered when determining whether they qualify for benefits. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on the income a person has earned in the past, an applicant must have a certain number of work credits since reaching adulthood, and Social Security will also look at how recently they have worked. If a person has not earned sufficient work credits for SSDI, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program that is available to people with limited financial resources.

Contact Our Illinois Social Security Disability Application Attorney

Proving that you are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits can sometimes be difficult, and you will need to make sure you provide all of the required information during the application process. Attorney Jonathan Pearson can assist with your disability application, and he will work to protect your rights and ensure that you will have the financial resources you need. If your disability claim is denied, he can help you file an appeal, and he will advocate for you throughout this process to make sure you can receive the disability benefits you deserve. Contact our Chicago Social Security disability lawyer at 312-999-0999 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html 

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf