Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits?

While you may be unable to work, that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be approved for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration is a large government agency.

They use a complex legal system to decide who deserves benefits, and you can only win benefits if you meet their strict and technical definition of “disability.” Proving you can’t work due to your medical condition, whether physical or mental, is the toughest part, but we can help.

At Silver & Silver, we’ll help you determine whether you do in fact meet the SSA’s definition of disability. The earlier you call us, the better we can help you. Contact us to discuss your disability case.

Am I eligible to apply for Social Security?

There are two types of Social Security Benefits: SSDI and SSI.

SSDI: The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you meet three criteria:

You are disabled;
You have earned enough work credits through Social Security taxes, and;
As of the date you became disabled, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security fund for at least five of the last ten years.

SSI: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for disabled adults (and children in some cases) who have limited income and resources.

What does being disabled mean?

Under Social Security rules, you’re only considered disabled if a medical condition or injury is expected to keep you from working for at least one full year (or result in death). The disability can be a physical condition, a mental condition, or a combination of problems.

If you’re unable to work, it’s important you schedule regular medical appointments and gather enough documentation to prove your case to the Social Security Administration.

In general, Social Security considers you disabled if:

You cannot do work that you did before;
You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical – either physical and/or mental – condition(s); and
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Need help with a legal matter?

Call us at 610-658-0500 now!