You’ve worked hard all your life, and the last thing you wanted or expected was a medical condition that keeps you from work. While you were working deductions were taken from each paycheck and paid into the Social Security system. If you can’t work because of your health condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The SSDI program is available to hard-working people that paid into the system and deserve financial relief.  So, how do you know if you are eligible for SSDI? 

What Qualifies As A Disability?

Social Security defines disability differently than other programs, and benefits are not payable for short-term disability or partial disability. Under Social Security, a disability exists when: :

  • You are unable to do the work that you did before.
  • Social Security determines that you are unable to adjust to doing other work. 
  • Your severe medical condition is expected to last at least one year or will result in death.

How Does Social Security Decide If I Am Disabled?

Social Security uses a step by step process to determine if someone qualifies for disability benefits. 

1. Are you working? 

If you are working and earn more than an average of $1,260 per month, you likely won’t be considered disabled. 

2. Is your condition severe? 

For at least 12 months, your condition must limit your ability to do basic work significantly.

3. Is your condition found on the list of disabling conditions?

Social Security keeps an updated list of medical conditions that are considered severe enough to prevent a person from working. 

4. Can you do the work you did previously?

If your health condition prevents you from doing the same type of work you did in the past, you may be eligible for SSDI. 

5. Can you do another type of work?

If your health condition limits you from performing other types of work, you may be eligible for SSDI.

 

If you think you might be eligible for SSDI, the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can assist you with an application. Call us for a free consultation

 

Medical Conditions That Qualify for SSDI

As of 2020, the list of medical conditions that qualify for SSDI have been updated and include the following:

  • Cancer
  • Musculoskeletal problems such as a back injury
  • Kidney disease and genitourinary problems
  • Cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure or coronary artery disease
  • Digestive tract problems such as IBD or liver disease
  • Senses and speech issues such as vision and hearing loss
  • Skin disorders such as dermatitis
  • Respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma
  • Immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Neurological disorders such as MS, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy
  • Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or autism
  • Various syndromes such as Marfan Syndrome and Sjogren’s Syndrome
  • Hematological disorders such as disorders of bone marrow 

A more in-depth list for adults and children is available on the Social Security website. 

How Many Work Credits Are Needed?

The other main criteria that determine your eligibility for SSDI are whether or not you earned enough work credits during your employment. The number of credits required varies from person to person and more specific guidelines can be found on the Social Security Administration website. Your work credits and qualifications will be determined on an individual basis.

Speak with a Disability Attorney

If you can no longer work due to a medical condition, you may be entitled to compensation through Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Let the Social Security Disability attorneys at the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill help with your claim for disability benefits by contacting us today