Getting approved for social security disability benefits can be a difficult process. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, is extremely strict with its requirements, and only those who are very meticulous with their applications will be approved. You have to meet very specific prerequisites in order to be considered for approval. Following are some of the basic requirements you must meet to get your claim approved.
Current Working Situation
You must have worked enough under Social Security in order to qualify for disability benefits. Through working, you’ve gained what are known as work credits, which are based either on your total yearly wages or income from self-employment. You can receive up to four credits each year. Depending on your specific disability and at what age you became disabled, you need a different number of work credits in order to qualify for disability.
If Your Condition is Severe
Your condition must be disabling enough to impact your ability to work for at least 12 months in order to begin to qualify for disability benefits. It must prevent you from being able to partake in work-related activities such as standing, sitting, lifting, walking, talking, or writing. If your disability does interfere with these work-related activities, then you are on your way to being qualified for benefits.
If It’s Considered a Disabling Condition
While different conditions certainly affect your everyday life in many different ways, unfortunately, not all will qualify under the SSA for disability benefits. The Administration groups qualifying disabling conditions under two groups: group A and group B. Some examples of disorders in these groupings include musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, cardiovascular issues, cancer, neurological disorders, speech issues, and blood disorders.
There are qualifying disabilities outside of these groups; however, these are some of the main larger ones.
If You Are Capable of Working
The next factor of qualifying includes proving that your condition prevents you from doing any of the work you used to do. The disability also must keep you from being able to do any other type of work as well, even if you haven’t done it in the past.
The SSA will consider various factors such as your skillset, age, education, and experience to determine if there is another type of work you are qualified for and capable of doing.
Extenuating Situations
Of course, there are certain extenuating circumstances outside of the specific groupings of disabilities. Some situations that could qualify you for disability benefits include being blind, being the widower of a worker, or being a veteran with a disability as a result of service.
Disabled children under the age of 18 also have a different set of rules when getting evaluated for disability benefits. Our child social security disability lawyers can help you put together a strong case both for your initial application or for the appeals process.
Contact Us Today
As shown, it can be difficult to get approved for disability benefits. While you not only have to hit every requirement, you also need to be able to prove them through medical records and various documentation. The team at Crosby Law Firm can help ensure that your application is as complete and strong as possible to maximize your chances of getting approved.
Whether it’s your first time applying for benefits or you’re looking for a lawyer for social security disability appeal, we can help get you the benefits you deserve. We have over 50 years of experience representing claimants just like you and will fight hard for your benefits.
Our family lawyer in Rockford, IL wants to ensure every member of your family is taken care of. Call our family law attorney today to get assistance with social security disability insurance.
