Attorney David J. King

WE FIGHT FOR YOU

Who is eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?

On Behalf of | Mar 29, 2018 | Blog

South Dakota readers know when a person is unable to work due to a physical condition, injury or mental illness, it can have a serious negative impact on his or her financial health. Fortunately, disabled individuals could be eligible to seek financial support through Social Security. If you are planning on filing for these benefits, you may find it beneficial to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Securing Social Security Disability involves more than just having a serious injury or illness. The Social Security Administration has strict requirements for what qualifies as a disability. Before you initiate the claims process, you would be wise to familiarize yourself with these requirements and what you can expect from the claims process.

What counts as a disability?

Not every medical condition will count as a disability. There are certain requirements that you must meet in order to actually secure this type of financial support. They are as follows:

  • You must have a qualifying medical condition expected to last for at least 12 months or result in your death.
  • You must be unable to work in the job you had before the onset of your condition.
  • You must have a condition that precludes you from holding other types of gainful employment.

If you meet these requirements, you likely have a valid claim to these benefits. However, that does not mean the road ahead will be easy. Many first time applications come back denied, and the SSA requires significant documentation to prove the disability. From medical records to information about the medications you are taking, you will have to validate your claim.

The SSA considers the information you provide and attempts to determine how your condition will impact your ability to perform the tasks associated with employment, including mental focus, lifting, walking and more.

Help for the entire process

While a denial is common, this does not mean that is the end of the road for you. You have the right to continue to fight for the financial support you deserve, and you do not have to fight alone. You can seek guidance for the entire claims process, from the initial application to any appeals you need to make.

If your disability keeps you from working and supporting your family, you have no time to lose in seeking the benefits you need and deserve. You may be unsure if you are eligible or how you can request a reconsideration of your claim, but you may find it helpful to start by seeking an evaluation of your case and an explanation of your options.

Categories

Archives