If you have a disability that keeps you from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) could provide financial support to help make ends meet. Applying for SSDI benefits can be a perplexing and convoluted process that many find challenging. This post will provide helpful information on assessing your eligibility and common conditions that may qualify for these benefits.
SSDI Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet two main eligibility criteria:
Work History
To be eligible for Social Security benefits, you must have worked in jobs where your employer paid into Social Security on behalf of their employees-which means that the government taxed a portion of the wages you earned.
Medical Condition
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a health condition that satisfies the organization’s definition of disability. Your medical state should meet these characteristics:
- Prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), measured by the income earned through work. The SGA line changes annually, so stay up-to-date with it!
- Your medical condition must be expected to last for a minimum of 12 months or result in death to qualify for disability benefits. Additionally, it needs to be so severe that you cannot perform fundamental job-related tasks such as standing, walking, and recalling instructions.
- Fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not necessarily ensure automatic approval for SSDI benefits. Social Security will also assess your non-medical qualifications, such as income and age.
Types of Conditions That May Qualify:
If you are struggling with an illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Blue Book from the Social Security Administration provides a comprehensive list of impairments that could qualify one for this kind of support.
The types of conditions that may qualify for SSDI benefits include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders: From back injuries to herniated discs and arthritis, there are a variety of medical conditions that can affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Cardiovascular Conditions: Cardiovascular disorders can affect the heart, arteries, and veins. Examples include coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease.
Respiratory Disorders: Breathing and lung-related afflictions such as asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and pulmonary fibrosis can cause immense distress in everyday life.
Mental Disorders: Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, can drastically impact a person’s behavior, emotions, and thought processes.
Neurological Disorders: Diseases involving the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, are common.
Immune System Disorders: Immune system-related ailments, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, affect the human body.
If you are unsure if your condition meets the SSDI eligibility criteria, you can follow these steps to evaluate your eligibility:
- Review your employment records to determine if you have accumulated the years required to acquire Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
- Carefully examine Social Security’s interpretation of disability and contrast it to your medical situation.
- Determine your monthly salary to evaluate if it meets the SGA guidelines.
- If you need assistance with the social security disability application process, look no further than LaPorte Law Firm – a trusted Sacramento-based law firm. Consulting them will surely be wise and provide invaluable guidance along your journey!
Common Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI Benefits
As mentioned earlier, many different conditions may qualify for SSDI benefits. Some of the most common conditions include the following:
Arthritis
Cancer
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Multiple sclerosis
Traumatic brain injury
Conclusion
Knowing whether or not you qualify for SSDI benefits is imperative if your disability has limited your ability to work. Now, you can access all the necessary resources to ascertain your eligibility for these advantageous benefits! In this post, we have provided important information on the SSDI eligibility criteria, an actionable guide to evaluating yourself, and common conditions that may be accepted as qualification factors.
Are you in the Bay Area and searching for a social security disability lawyer in Sacramento? LaPorte Law Firm is here to help. They have a team of professionals with years of experience and an impressive track record of success. They will evaluate your eligibility for SSDI benefits and lead you through the application process from start to finish.