While it can be difficult to think about the health risks we may face, living with a disability is a reality for millions of Americans. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is estimated that more than 25% of the current population will experience a disability by age 67. Those who have suffered a debilitating injury may qualify for benefits through the SSA. Eligibility for Social Security benefits is not always straight forward and to qualify, applicants must meet both financial and medical requirements. Below our blog outlines the general eligibility requirements for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI).
Financial Eligibility
One of the first steps an applicant must consider is whether they meet the financial requirements for disability benefits. For applicants who are still working or have other means of income, there is a limit to the amount of money which they may earn each month. While this amount is subject to change, in 2016, the monthly threshold was just over a thousand dollars. Additionally, a person must have recently earned a specified amount of taxable income in order to be considered insured under the SSDI program. Those who do not meet the work-related requirements may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), provided that they do not make over a certain amount of money.
Medical Requirements
Proving that your medical condition qualifies for disability benefits is often the most difficult step for applicants to overcome. First, the SSA will look to compare your condition to their list of qualifying medical impairments, sometimes referred to as the blue book. In order to qualify, a disability must match or equate to the specific requirements listed in the blue book. When a person’s condition is not among those listed, they may still be eligible for benefits through medical-vocational guidelines. This method, also known as grid eligibility, is a common avenue for acquiring Social Security disability benefits. Here, your case will be evaluated in relation to how the severity of an injury affects your continued ability to work.
Additional factors which can affect your case include:
It is also important to note that disability benefits do not cover temporary injuries. In order to qualify, a disability must be expected to last for at least one year. There may also be a waiting period for applicants, meaning a disability must have existed for a certain period of time before benefits will be paid.
If you have suffered an injury, securing disability benefits can be critical in supporting your monthly income. Whether you are just beginning with the SSDI process, or you believe that your claim was wrongfully denied, our Lincoln City Social Security disability benefits attorneys can help you to navigate and overcome the obstacles ahead. At Zantello Law Group, our legal team has an in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations associated with Social Security and our firm has a proven record helping clients to maximize the chances of a successful outcome for their claim.
Request a free case evaluation with our firm to learn about your legal options
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