Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security disability benefits can be a godsend for those struggling to make ends meet. Distributed on a monthly basis, these payments aim to help Americans who are no longer able to earn a living wage because of a qualifying disability.
If you cannot work because of an injury or illness, you’re probably wondering whether you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Since the application process is rigorous, it’s reasonable to want to confirm your eligibility before proceeding.
The easiest way to determine if you’re entitled to benefits is by consulting a Social Security disability attorney. Since everyone’s situation is unique, it’s wise to bring your claim to a knowledgeable professional, who can evaluate it from all angles and let you know how best to proceed.
Should you be wondering whether even that will be worth your while, here are the most basic requirements that applicants must generally meet in order to qualify for benefits:
- You must be unable to perform the work you were doing prior to getting hurt or falling ill,
- Your condition must be expected to last for at least a year or to result in your death,
- Your condition must prevent you from reentering the workforce and performing some other kind of work,
- Your condition must be considered a qualifying disability, and
- You must have earned enough work credits over the course of your career to collect benefits.
It’s important to remember that the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews every single claim individually, and despite the requirements mentioned above, they ultimately make approvals and denials on a case-by-case basis.
It’s also worth noting there are exceptions for blind applicants. The SSA recognizes the devastating impact that a loss of vision can have on an individual’s ability to work.
How Can I Tell If My Condition Is Considered a Qualifying Disability?
The SSA has put together a comprehensive list of the impairments they recognize that warrant disability benefits. This list includes:
- Musculoskeletal disorders,
- Skin disorders,
- Neurological disorders,
- Endocrine disorders,
- Hematological disorders,
- Immune system disorders, and
- Malignant neoplastic diseases like cancer.
If you’re unsure whether your condition makes you eligible for benefits, talk to your doctor. Ask them about all the various names and phrases that might apply to your injury or illness, and then give the list to your attorney. They will cross-reference this document with the SSA’s list to determine whether your disability meets the criteria of one or more qualifying disabilities.
Discuss Your Claim with a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Stuart
Are you wondering whether you’re eligible for Social Security disability benefits? Did you already submit an application that was denied? No matter what stage of the process you’re in or what kinds of hurdles you’re facing, you can count on Donaldson & Weston for strategic legal guidance.
Our compassionate team is proud to advocate for injured, ill, and disabled parties who are struggling to make ends meet. Call 772-266-5555 or submit our Contact Form to set up a free initial consultation with a Social Security disability attorney in Stuart.
