You’re probably already worried – about your health and your financial situation. Being unable to work because of a disabling condition has to be one of the most stressful situations you could encounter. Then, applying for disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a nightmarish maze of instructions, regulations, and requirements. While working on your application, you may be wondering if your application for SSDI will be approved. You can always ask a Social Security attorney for advice and assistance.
Are you unable to work?
Generally, you have to be suffering from a condition that prevents you from working for your application for SSDI to be approved.
The Social Security Administration (“Social Security”) manages SSDI. One of the first questions they will ask you is, “Are you working?” What they mean is whether you are earning less than a certain amount of money each month. For example, the 2020 earnings limit is $1,260 per month. If you are able to earn more than they, Social Security may deny your application for SSDI.
If you are not working because of a medical condition, Social Security will continue reviewing your claim.
Is your condition severe?
Many medical conditions are very minor. For your application for SSDI to be approved, your disorder must “significantly limit your ability to do basic work such as lifting, standing, walking, siting, and remembers – for at least 12 months.”
If you are unable to do basic work-related tasks, your application for SSDI will continue through the process.
Does the listing of disabiling conditions include your condition?
Social Security maintains a Listing of Impairments (the “Listing”) that helps them make decisions about SSDI claims. If your condition appears on the Listing, Social Security may find that you are disabled. If not, then the process continues.
Can you do the work you did previously?
Let’s say you were a truck driver for years. However, your severe arthritis makes it impossible for you to do the job anymore. Social Security staff who are reviewing your application for SSDI use this information to decide whether to approve your request for benefits.
Can you do any other type of work?
However, Social Security may also look to see if there is another type of work you could do even with your disability. They may look specifically at your transferable skills, literally skills that transfer from one job to another.
Social Security Uses Other Criteria When Reviewing Your Application for SSDI.
For instance, you need to have a certain number of work credits, or your request for benefits probably will be denied.
Your experienced California Social Security attorney can help guide you through the application process to give you better odds of being approved.
Talk to an attorney about your eligibility for disability benefits. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ legal experience, much of it involving Social Security Disability Insurance claims. They can help you with your application and any appeals that might be needed.
Call us at 714-385-8100 for a free consultation. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
