Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
An experienced law firm helps you determine your eligibility
If you’ve experienced a serious injury or disability that leaves you unable to work and support yourself or your family, you may need to seek benefits through an important social safety net: Social Security Disability (SSD). Through this federal program, you can receive a monthly SSD check to help you cover costs of living when you can no longer earn income. At Tracy Law Firm, PA, we work with individuals and families, offering responsive and consistent guidance as you work through the process of applying for SSD benefits.
Criteria for qualifying for SSD benefits
There are a number of physical and mental conditions that may qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits. Although everyone’s situation is unique, and proving the extent and severity of your condition can be a time-consuming and difficult process, there are a few criteria you must generally meet before qualifying.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes into account five basic factors when deciding if you meet the standards for SSD benefits. These include:
- Work status. If you are currently working and your average monthly earnings exceed $1,070, you typically will not qualify for benefits.
- Your condition inhibits your ability to work. If your condition is severe enough to interfere with your ability to work, you may qualify for benefits. If it does not interfere with your ability to work, you cannot be classified as disabled.
- Is your condition on the SSA’s list? The SSA maintains a list of accepted conditions for SSD benefits. If your condition is on the list, it can significantly speed up the application process. If it is not on the list, you may still qualify if your condition is determined to be of equal severity to a disability that is.
- Can you do any other type of work? If you can no longer do the type of work you previously did before your condition reached its current level of severity, the SSA will attempt to determine if you can transfer your skills to any other type of work. If your ability to work in another field would not be inhibited by your condition, your claim may be denied.
Common conditions qualifying for SSD benefits
There are several types of accepted conditions that may apply to your situation, including:
- Musculoskeletal conditions. This can include injury to the spine or back.
- Respiratory conditions. Asthma and COPD may qualify for SSD benefits.
- Mental disorders. This is a broad category that may include depression, anxiety, cognitive disabilities or schizophrenia.
- Neurological issues. This may include Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, among other conditions.
- Immune system disorders. HIV, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are all examples of accepted immune system disorders.
- Cardiovascular function. If you suffer from coronary artery disease or heart failure, you may qualify for benefits.
Contact a dedicated Social Security Disability lawyer today
For sound legal guidance related to all aspects of Social Security Disability, call on the experienced team at Tracy Law Firm, PA. You only pay attorney’s fees if your claim is successful, so give us a call today at 888-503-6612 or contact us online.
