Qualifying for SSDI Benefits in Sandy Springs
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may be available to you if you are suffering from a disability that prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers SSDI, along with other Social Security benefit programs.
In order to receive SSDI benefits, you must submit an application to the SSA and meet certain criteria. SSDI only provides compensation for total disability, not partial or short-term disability. Applicants who are approved for SSDI will receive monthly payments.
Most applications for SSDI are denied initially for various reasons. However, there is always an opportunity to file an appeal in response to a denial. Whether you are at the beginning stages of your application or are frustrated that your claims keep getting denied, a qualified disability advocate can help you effectively advance through the process of qualifying for SSDI benefits in Sandy Springs.
Medical Eligibility for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must be able to demonstrate that they suffer from a disability as defined by the SSA guidelines. Unlike other types of Social Security benefits that are distributed based on factors like age or income, qualifying for SSDI relies more heavily on medical evidence to substantiate a disability claim.
SSDI is available to persons with physical and psychological disabilities, but recipients must have a disability that is expected to last longer than one year. If a disability is not expected to last more than one year, it generally must be a terminal condition in order to qualify. The SSA may thoroughly evaluate all medical evidence submitted in order to determine whether their definition of disability has been met.
Ability to Work
Even if a disabled individual is unable to partake in the type of work they were previously engaged in, if the SSA determines that there is other work that an individual could perform with their disability, it could hinder approval for benefits. The SSA considers factors such as age, education, and work experience in making this determination.
Individuals who are actively working and earning more than $1,180 per month are not eligible for SSDI. In addition, once an individual recovers and is able to return to work, benefits typically terminate.
Work History and Qualifying for SSDI Benefits
In addition to meeting the medical requirements for disability, individuals must also have a sufficient work history to qualify for benefits. SSDI is not a need-based assistance program, and even affluent persons may be eligible for disability. Instead, SSDI recipients are eligible because they—or their parents or spouse—have contributed to Social Security through the time they spent in the work force.
SSDI requires that a prospective recipient have a certain number of work credits in order to qualify for benefits. The number of credits required varies from year to year and is dependent on factors like how old an individual is when they become disabled. As a general rule, an individual must have worked at least five out of the previous 10 years to qualify. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Learn More about Qualifying for SSDI Benefits in Sandy Springs from an Attorney
The process of qualifying for SSDI can be lengthy and frustrating. If you need assistance navigating through this process, contact a Social Security disability attorney today. A dedicated advocate for the disabled can help answer any questions you may have regarding qualifying for SSDI benefits in Sandy Springs.
