If you have been injured and your injury prevents you from working, you may be able to get approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive disability benefits. These benefits are designed to provide assistance to individuals who are no longer able to work to support themselves due to an injury or disability.
For many people, the benefits they receive from Social Security Disability can be an enormous help, but before you begin applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you will want to make sure you meet the basic requirements.
Work
Eligibility for SSD benefits is generally determined by the work that a person is or is not able to do. When considering your case, the SSA will check to see if you are able to perform the work you were doing prior to your injury. If you are able to do the same work, you will most likely not receive benefits. If you cannot do the same work, they will attempt to determine whether or not you can perform another type of work. They will look at your condition, your work experience, your skill sets, your age, etc. to see if you will be able to find adequate work in another field.
The SSA will also take into account what you are currently earning. Even though there are exceptions, you usually cannot be eligible for SSD benefits if you are earning over $1,130 a month. If you are not working because of a disability, your application is far more likely to be accepted.
Condition
Perhaps the most important aspect the SSA will consider when determining your eligibility is your actual condition. If your condition does not prevent you from performing basic work-related tasks, you will not be considered disabled.
If your condition does prevent you from performing work-related tasks, the SSA will then check to see if your condition appears on theirlist of disabilities. If you meet the criteria for having a disability on the list, you are usually automatically qualified for SSD benefits. If your condition is not on the list of disabilities, but still prevents you from working, the SSA will have to determine if your condition is severe enough to warrant disability benefits.
Being in a situation that leads you to consider applying for Social Security Disability can be stressful. If there was a particular event that caused your disability, there may be legal steps you can take to get assistance in one form or another. A legal professional who is well-versed in personal injury law will be able to assist you and ensure that you get the support you deserve. They will also be able to answer any additional questions you might have.
Navigating the Social Security Disability process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with a serious condition. At Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
If your disability prevents you from working, contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who can guide you through every step of your SSD claim.
