Not all disabilities qualify for SSD. Learn more about eligibility requirements for this government program.
If you or a loved one is unable to work because of a disabling injury or condition, you may wish to find a financial assistance program so that you can pay your bills, put food on your table, and live in comfort regardless of your inability to work. Depending on your work history, income, and the nature of your disability, you may qualify for social security disability insurance. Our Ponca City social security disability attorneys at BDIW Law are familiar with the SSDI application process and eligibility requirements. If you believe you meet the requirements and have either applied and been denied or have yet to apply and need help with the process, contact our firm today.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYNon-Medical Eligibility Requirements
First and foremost, it is important to determine if you even qualify for SSD benefits from a non-medical standpoint. There are two non-medical requirements that you must meet. The first is that you must have enough available work credits.
The Social Security Administration gives one work credit for every $1,320 you earn. You can only earn four work credits per year, which means you must earn only $5,200 each year. How many credits you need to earn depends on your age.
If you are younger than 24 years of age, you must have at least six work credits, which means you must have worked for a total of a year and a half. This work must be done within a three-year time span. If you are between 24 and 31 years of age, you must have worked at least half the time since turning 21. This means if you are 28 years old, you must have worked three and a half years and earned 14 credits. If you are older than 31, you must have worked five out of the 10 most recent years to qualify for SSD. Simply put, you must have earned 20 credits in the 10 years immediately prior to becoming disabled.
There are exceptions to these rules for blind applicants, however, which our SSD attorneys can detail for you.
If you do not have enough work credits, you may be able to apply for social security income. However, SSI applicants must meet the income requirements for these types of benefits.
Medical Eligibility Requirements
If you meet the non-medical eligibility requirements, you may very well qualify for SSD benefits if you have a disabling condition. Meeting the medical eligibility requirements is far easier than meeting the non-medical ones, as the SSA recognizes over 200 medical conditions. An attorney can provide you with a complete list, but the following serves as a great starting point:
● Digestive system disorders, such as hepatitis and Crohn’s disease;
● Disorders of the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure, high blood pressure and blood clots;
● Malignant neoplastic diseases such as cancer;
● Disorders of the endocrine system such as thyroid disease and obesity;
● Immune system disorders such as lupus and HIV;
● Mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia;
● Disorders of the musculoskeletal system such as degenerative disc disease and herniated discs
● Genitourinary impairments concerning reproductive organs and the urinary system;
● Multiple body system impairments such as fetal alcohol syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome;
● Neurological disorders such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy;
● Hematological disorders such as chronic anemia and sickle cell disease;
● Skin disorders such as hidradenitis suppurativa and cellulitis;
● Disorders of the respiratory system such as lung infections and asthma; and
● Special senses and speech disorders such as hearing and vision loss.
Bear in mind that the above is a far from a comprehensive list. If your condition keeps you from working, there is a good chance you qualify for SSD. Contact the Ponca City SSD lawyers at BDIW Law to discuss your condition and possible eligibility today.
