Social Security can significantly help injured workers in the United States. However, to qualify for these Social Security Disability benefits, there are several requirements you’ll need to meet. One such condition is to have worked a certain number of hours. Often, we have clients ask what those requirements are.
Who Qualifies as Disabled?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as follows:
Disability means having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, having a history or record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.
You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you meet these criteria.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must prove that you’re disabled. To do this, you need medical evidence showing a severe impairment that prevents you from working. This includes doctors’ reports, hospital records, X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, EEGs, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures.
Where Can I Find Out if I Am Eligible for SSDI?
If you’ve been laid off, fired, injured at work, or otherwise unable to work due to illness or injury, you may be able to receive disability insurance through Social Security. This program provides income replacement payments to help pay for basic living expenses until you recover enough to return to work.
The Social Security Administration offers information about this benefit on its website. Once you complete the online application form, you’ll need to submit supporting documents to prove your claim. These include medical records, employment history, and proof of disability.
When Can I Apply for SSDI?
If you’re eligible for Social Security Disability benefit, you may be able to receive monthly payments until you die. However, some conditions must be met before qualifying for these benefits.
To begin the application process, you need to file an initial claim. To do this, you must submit evidence that you meet specific criteria. These include being unable to work because of a medical condition.
Once you’ve filed your initial claim, you’ll need to wait at least six months before applying again. During this waiting period, you’ll continue receiving your regular income.
After the waiting period ends, you’ll need to complete another form called an Application for Continuing Disability Insurance Benefits. Once you’ve completed this form, you’ll need to send it along with supporting documents to the SSA.
If you’re approved, you’ll receive a monthly payment for life. If you’re denied, you’ll receive a notice explaining why.
The first thing we tell them is that they need to make sure their disability meets the following:
- You are unable to do the work you did before
- Your position cannot be adjusted due to your injuries
- Your disability has or will have lasted one year or will result in death
If you meet these minimum requirements, the next step is to look at whether you’ve worked enough hours, recently enough, to qualify for Social Security Disability. This is determined through Social Security work credits.
Credits are based on your wages. In most cases, you need 40 credits to qualify for Social Security Disability, and 20 must have been earned in the last 10 years. It’s possible to earn up to 4 credits each year.
While this is an average, there are many factors to consider. For instance, younger workers who become disabled often don’t need as many credits to qualify for SSD. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney. We can help guide you through your case.
