Social Security Disability Eligibility: What Qualifies for Disability?
After years of committing yourself to your job and paying social security taxes, you could lose your ability to work. Whether your ability to work is hindered by illness or injury, you will likely find yourself wondering if you qualify for disability payments. If you find yourself unable to work due to a disability, you may be eligible for these benefits.
With so much at stake, your financial security, as well as that of your family or dependents, could be in limbo. It’s never easy to go through these moments alone. You should consider professional guidance on handling your situation.
At Friedman Law Firm, we are committed to helping workers like you obtain the disability insurance benefits you earned through your hours of hard work. Our team of Social Security Disability Attorneys is here to guide you on everything you need to go through the application process. We are familiar with the Social Security Administration and its requirements for disability benefits and how to best advocate for a favorable outcome.
What Are Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two types of disability benefits programs for people who are disabled and unable to work due to an illness or injury.
These programs are:
Social Security Disability Insurance
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) disability program is designed to provide workers with a financial safety net when they suffer a severe injury or chronic condition that makes them unable to keep working. This program only covers workers who meet Social Security's strict requirements, which include having an active work history and a record of paying Social Security taxes into their retirement.
Supplemental Security Income
Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program designed to offer financial assistance to disabled individuals with low incomes and limited resources. Because of this, SSI benefits are available to a different range of disabled persons, including children and individuals who haven't worked, or haven't worked enough hours to qualify. Applicants must prove that aside from being unable to work, they have little or no income and don't own any significant assets.
What are the Requirements for Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration provides SSDI benefits to individuals ages 18 to 64 who meet the following primary eligibility requirements:
A qualifying work history and have paid into the Social Security system through their employment
Having a medical condition or suffered a disabling injury that makes you unable to work
SSA is known for having strict qualification criteria when it comes to proving these eligibility requirements.
Some of the most common questions asked by clients who may be eligible for SSDI are:
How long should I have been working to qualify for SSDI benefits?
You need an active work history to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, this requirement is too general as one can suffer an injury or chronic condition at any age.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration understands this and has introduced work credits, which help determine your eligibility to receive disability benefits. Work credits are earned annually based on your total wages or self-employment income.
As of 2023, you’ll need to earn $1640 to earn one work credit and can earn a maximum of 4 work credits each year. Each year you work and pay Social Security Disability taxes, your work credits will be updated on your record. Remember, you never get to lose your work credits, even if you lose your job or switch to a new employer.
Is age a factor for receiving disability benefits?
Depending on your age, there are a minimum number of work credits that you should have accrued if you are to claim disability benefits. Generally, the rules are as follows:
If you are below the age of 24, you’ll need to have earned six work credits in the last three years before your disability started.
If you are between the ages of 24 and 31, you’ll need work credits for working half the years from the time you hit 21 to when the disability begins.
Finally, if you are above 31, you’ll generally need at least 20 work credits earned in the last 10 years before the disability began.
There are other situations in which age can be a factor when it comes to being approved for disability payments. This does not mean that younger persons with disabilities cannot get benefits. Every case is different. Regardless of age, the Friedman Firm vigorously advocates for any disabled client whose case we take.
Does my condition qualify as a disability?
According to the Social Security Agency's strict definition of disability, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits if you have a chronic condition or injury that prevents you from working or engaging in other substantial gainful activity (SGA) and significantly limits your ability to earn an income. Short-term disabilities do not qualify for SSDI or SSI but chronic conditions involving a physical or mental impairment that lasts for more than 12 months or until death often do qualify for disability payments.
For clarity, the SSA has listed the common conditions that could make you eligible for benefits. This list is known as the Blue Book.
Blue Book Conditions:
Impaired sight (blindness), hearing, or speech
Respiratory illnesses which can include cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma
Cardiovascular diseases including congenital heart disease and heart failure
Disorders of the digestive system including bowel, intestinal, or liver disorders
Chronic kidney disease including renal failure
Blood disorders, including anemia, hemophilia, and bone marrow failure
Skin conditions that cause dryness and scaling, burns
Endocrine disorders including diabetes and thyroid disease
Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems, which can include down syndrome
Neurological disorders which can include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, and disorders caused by traumatic brain injury
Mental health conditions including bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia
Various forms of cancer and neuroplastic diseases
Immune system conditions including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), lupus, arthritis, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome.
What if my condition isn’t stipulated in the SSA’s Blue Book?
Not all medical conditions that can qualify you for SSDI benefits are listed in the Blue Book. If your condition is not listed by the agency, you will need an evaluation by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.
During the evaluation, the DDS will examine your medical records to determine the severity of your condition and how it impacts your ability to work. There has to be sufficient proof that your condition prevents you from performing your previous work, as well as any other type of work that you otherwise be able to do.
There are also special situations that could make an individual eligible for benefits:
A surviving spouse or a surviving divorced spouse with disabilities
A child with a qualifying disability
A disabled adult child (DAC), these are adults with a disability that began before age 22, and the parents are deceased or already receiving their retirement or own disability benefits
How do I get my Disability Benefits if I qualify?
If you believe that your medical condition, injury, or special situation qualifies you for SSDI or SSI benefits, you’ll need to make an application with the SSA. You can complete your application online, by phone, or by visiting your local Social Security Office.
The disability claims process is highly detailed and complicated. There are strict compliance requirements to adhere to, requiring precise attention to detail. All forms must be complete and any error or omission can cause your application to be rejected.
Fortunately, our Social Security Disability attorneys based in Birmingham, Alabama are always available to help you with the entire process and ensure you get your disability benefits as fast as possible.
Get Professional Assistance with Your Social Security Disability Issues
Friedman Law Firm is dedicated to helping you handle your social security disability application. Your chances of being approved for SSDI or SSI can be increased with the assistance of an attorney. Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation!