Government regulations are confusing! It’s especially hard to understand them when you are already hurting physically or financially worries have taken over. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can help many people who are unable to work due to a medical condition. However, before you get started, there are things you don’t know about applying for SSDI. We’re going to look at four of them.
You Need More Than Disability to Qualify
Though “disability” is in the name of the program – Social Security Disability Insurance – it takes more than a disability to get benefits. Applicants also need to have work credits.
Every year you work, you may earn up to 4 work credits based on the amount of money you have earned. At least some of the work credits must have been earned in a certain period leading up to your disability.
Work credit requirements vary based on your age. The SSA provides a sliding scale showing how many credits people need at certain ages. For example, a 35-year old needs 20 credits while a 55-year old needs 33.
Your Condition May Be Reviewed
About a year after your award, the SSA may review your medical condition. They will also conduct continuing disability reviews. By law, they must review your medical condition every three years unless you have a condition that will improve before three years is up. However, if your condition is not expected to improve, they typically review your case every seven years.
It May Take Months to Get a Decision
Applications for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income typically take months to review. Your approval or denial won’t happen quickly with certain exceptions.
Some Conditions Approved More Quickly Than Others
Two programs – Quick Disability Determinations and Compassionate Allowances (CAL) – allow the SSA to expedite people with the most severe disabilities.
Some of the disabilities that may be fast-tracked include:
- Acute Leukemia,
- Certain types of aggressive cancers,
- Lewy Body Dementia, and
- Tay Sachs Disease, just to name a few.
If necessary, your attorney can help you identify programs that will get benefits to you quickly.
Ask a Disability Lawyer
Social Security Administration rules regarding disability are often hard to understand. You need someone on your side. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
