Tag: ssdi

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. 

If you need SSI or SSDI during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Law Office of Karen Kraus Bill can still assist you! 

Get a Free Consultation

At the Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill, we are offering free consultations by phone to help you get relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Just because you aren’t able to leave your house, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to take care of important things like getting your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits. In a time where the economy is feeling unstable, and the world around us is in a state of uncertainty, we are prepared to help you get the income you need. 

Want to Learn More About Social Security Benefits?

If you are considering applying for SSDI or SSI, but not sure if you are eligible or where to start, keep reading for more information.

Can I Apply for SSDI?

If you are under the age of 65 and have earned a particular number of work credits, you may qualify as a candidate for Social Security Disability Income. You may be eligible for SSDI if you:

  • Are under the age of 65
  • Worked 5 out of the last 10 years
  • Have a mental or physical impairment

Federal law defines disabled as someone unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Can I Apply for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income may be one of the most applicable social security benefits during the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. You could qualify if you:

  • Have a limited income 
  • Have less than $2,000 in assets as an individual OR
  • Have less than $3,000 in assets as a couple

Individuals of any age, children included, can apply for SSI if they are disabled and have limited to no income or resources. Individuals over the age of 65 can qualify, regardless of their medical condition. 

Need to Appeal an SSI or SSDI Denial?

If you have already applied for SSI or SSDI yourself and have been denied, The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill can assist you during the appeals process. There is only a short time frame available to appeal, so as soon as you know you have been denied, contact us for a free phone consultation. Applications can often be denied due to mistakes, misinformation, or unsuccessful attempts to collect necessary medical information when an individual attempts to apply on their own. Having a skilled attorney who is experienced in handling disability law cases can mean the difference between being approved and denied.

Call Karen Kraus Bill Today

If you are ready to schedule a virtual consultation, visit our website to fill out the contact form or call us at 573-875-5200.

You’ve worked hard all your life, but now you’re unable to continue working due to your declining health, or maybe you’ve reached an age where you simply can’t anymore. You might be wondering if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Which type of claim is right for you? Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are disability benefit programs run by the Social Security Administration. The differences between these two programs can be confusing, so let’s discuss the major distinctions.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is considered an “entitlement program” that is generally available to anyone who has paid into the Social Security system for the last ten years. These recipients are considered “insured” because they have made their contribution to the Social Security trust fund through paying FICA Social Security taxes. SSDI provides benefits to people who cannot work enough due to certain medical conditions or disabilities. The amount of SSDI payments vary based on the beneficiary’s earnings record. SSDI recipients are eligible for medicare.

Who Can Apply for SSDI?

To be a candidate for SSDI, a person must have earned a particular number of work credits and be under the age of 65. Generally, an eligible individual would need to have worked at least five out of the last ten years. Federal law has strict definitions of disability, stating that the medical condition causing the disability be one that is expected to last one year or more, or potentially result in death. People with short-term or partial disabilities would not qualify. 

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is considered a “needs-based program,” meaning it is strictly for low-income American citizens and is funded by general taxes rather than from the Social Security trust fund. The standard federal SSI payment is a set amount that changes yearly based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA). Additionally, most people who receive SSI will immediately qualify for benefits through Medicaid. 

Who Can Apply for SSI?

To meet the requirements for SSI, a person must have a very limited income and less than $2,000 in assets, or less than $3,000 for a couple. Most people who would qualify for SSI would also qualify for food stamps. Individuals over the age of 65 can qualify for SSI (regardless of their medical condition) if the income requirements are met. A person of any age, even children, can apply for SSI if they are disabled and have limited to no resources or income. 

Get Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

It can be risky to apply for SSDI or SSI on your own. Many applications are initially denied due to mistakes or misinformation, unsuccessful attempts to collect medical evidence, and/or a failure to cooperate with the Social Security Administration. If your disability benefits application has been denied, we can help. There is a small window of time to appeal your denial, and statistics show you are more likely to get approved with the assistance of an attorney who is familiar with disability law.

Call Karen Kraus Bill

The Law Offices of Karen Kraus Bill has extensive experience handling disability law cases for SSDI or SSI. It is beneficial to have a skilled attorney on your side to help you get all of the necessary records in order to create the strongest application possible. We can also represent you during the appeals process if you were previously denied. We are ready to focus on winning your disability case so you can continue to take care of your health. Contact us today!