Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security disability program provides assistance to people with disabilities (and possibly their family members) who meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria for receiving benefits. In order to avoid an initial denial of benefits or a denial upon appeal, it is important to submit a claim for benefits that specifically addresses the Social Security Administration’s strict requirements.
First, Social Security only pays benefits to people who cannot work because of a medical condition that is expected to last more than one year or result in death. In addition, two earnings requirements must be met to receive disability benefits. These are a “recent work” test, which is based on age at the time of disability, and a “duration of work” test, which determines if the disabled person worked long enough under Social Security.
Evaluation of Medical Condition
When you submit a Social Security disability application, the federal government will review it to make sure the work requirements are met and then send it to a Disability Determination Services office at the state level. An Indiana disability agent and/or doctor will evaluate your medical condition to determine if your impairment qualifies as a disability. They will look at factors such as:
- How the condition limits your activities
- What medical tests have shown about the impairment
- What treatment you have received
- The severity of your condition
- Whether you are working
- Whether you can do the work you did before you became impaired
- Whether you can do any other type of work
In addition to ensuring that an application is complete and on point, it is important to apply for disability benefits as soon as possible after becoming disabled. The process to approve an application can take a long time, and you likely need your benefits to support yourself and your family.
Our attorneys can help you fill out the Social Security Administration forms thoroughly and accurately, and help you obtain necessary supporting documentation, thus increasing the likelihood that your application will be approved without delay or complication.
Talk to an Indianapolis SSD Lawyer
If you or a family member has suffered an accident or injury, the lawyers at Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP in Indianapolis can assist you in every aspect of recovery, from handling claims against insurance companies and at-fault parties to helping you receive Social Security Disability benefits from the federal government. For a free initial consultation to discuss your unique situation, please contact our offices.
