SSDI Eligibility Requirements
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The United States Social Security Administration reported that 62,626 Americans were receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or both as of July 2013.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program created by the United States Government. This program is managed by the Social Security Administration and is designed to provide income supplements to individuals that are physically restricted in their ability to become employed. This may be due to a notable disability; typically this is a physical disability. These benefits can be supplied on either a temporary or permanent basis, while being correlated to whether the person is temporary or permanently disabled.
The Social Security Disability attorneys in Phoenix, AZ at Phillips Law Group believe that if you or a loved one has been denied social security disability on your first try, our attorneys can provide assistance to ensure you receive the disability benefits you deserve. Our attorneys will work tirelessly as if you were our family member in order to achieve the justice you deserve.
Find out more by completing the Free Case Review form on this page.
Social Security Disability Insurance Requirements
Becoming approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can be a rather lengthy process, unless a person is suffering from a serious medical condition. In most cases, nearly two-thirds of the people that apply for SSDI are denied at the initial stage of the process.
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, an individual must first have worked in occupations which are covered by Social Security. Secondly, that person must have a medical condition which meets the Social Securitys definition of a disability. In order for an individual to be eligible for SSDI benefits, an individual must:
- Be totally disabled according to the Social Securitys definition of disability
- Be under 65 years of age
- File an application for SSDI benefits
- Have a minimum of 20 Social Security credits earned in the past 10 years ending in the year an individual become disabled.
- Meet the Social Security five month waiting period
Furthermore, family members may also be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits based on your work record. These qualifications are as follows:
- Spouse is age 62 or older
- Spouse of any age that is caring for a child under 16 years old or disabled
- Your unmarried children are under the age of 18, under the age of 19 and are in elementary or secondary school full time, or over the age of 18 with a disability starting before the age of 22
These benefits will typically continue until an individual is able to work once again on a regular basis. Of course, there are a number of rules, known as work incentives, which provide continued benefits and health care coverage to assist individuals as they are transitioning back to work.
How Is Disability Defined by the Social Security Administration?
Social Security Disability Insurance dates back to 1960 at a time which Social Security rules were amended to allow payment benefits to disabled workers of any age along with their dependents. These benefits would be based upon a persons work records, similar to that of retirement benefits. Of course, an individual must be defined as disabled by the Social Security Administration in order to receive any type of benefits.
An individual is considered disabled by the Social Security Administration if:
- A person cannot work as they could before becoming disabled
- A person is not working, or are earning less than the earnings limit
- A persons disability has lasted or is expected to last at least a year or result in death
- A persons disability is severe enough that they cannot do basic work activities such as walking, standing, or remembering
- A persons disability prevents them from doing other work
It should be noted that Social Security Disability Insurance will not provide benefits if a person is partially disabled, or if they are suffering from a short term disability. Of course, a disability is not required to be permanent in order to receive these benefits; however it must be long-term and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Contact Our Experienced Phoenix SSDI Lawyers Today
Phillips Law Group has many years of experience with Social Security law and is able to craft robust cases in order to achieve the maximum compensation benefits available. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, our attorneys are able to serve throughout the entire area and elsewhere needed.
Some of the local Phoenix areas our attorneys serve include:
- Buckey
- Cactus
- El Mirage
- Gainey Ranch
- Maryvale
- Mesa
- Santa Maria
- Squaw Peak Terrace
- Tempe
- Tolleson
- Tovrea
To learn more about our Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers, we welcome you to call us at 1-800-706-3000 today. If you would rather have our law firm contact you, simply complete the Free Case Review form located at the top of this page.
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