In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you need to have worked for the required period of time in jobs that fall under the coverage of Social Security. This time period is usually 10 years. In addition, you must have a medical condition that is defined as a disability according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). At Lovins Law PLLC, we handle Social Security cases on a contingency basis for clients. Serving Dallas, Austin, and beyond, we are here to help you achieve a successful outcome in your case.
Generally, the SSA pays out benefits on a monthly basis to individuals who are not capable of working for at least one year, or who have been diagnosed with a health condition expected to end in death. The disability must have be sufficiently severe that the individual is unable to work, considering his or her age, experience, and education.
In order to meet the Social Security Disability benefits eligibility requirement, there are several steps to check off to determine if you are disabled and qualify. These are:
Having Enough Work Credits
In order to qualify for SSD benefits, you must have worked a designated minimum amount of time. You are more likely to get approved the older you are and the more consistent your income has been in recent years. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you evaluate your work credit history.
The “recent work test” is based on your age at the time you sustained your disability. The “duration of work test” evaluates if you have worked a sufficient amount of time to qualify for benefits.
Other than the years you have worked, the SSA will also evaluate your current income as a factor in its decision.
Having a Severe Condition
You must have a condition that has left you in a significantly bad condition in order to qualify for disability benefits. According to the SSA, your malady must be determined to interfere with all work related activities.
In the SSA’s List of Disabling Conditions
The SSA publishes a list of impairments that it identifies as serious enough to hinder an individual from “completing substantial gainful activity.” Even if your condition is not on this list, you are not automatically ineligible from accessing disability benefits. In such a case, the SSA simply needs to make a further assessment of how your ability to work is limited by your particular impairment.
Inability to Do Previous Work
In this case, the SSA looks more closely at the severity of your medical impairment to determine if you are unable to carry out the duties from your previous work.
Inability to Do Any Other Type of Work
The SSA will evaluate whether you are physically able to do a different, but related job if you are unable to perform duties from your previous job. That evaluation will determine whether or not you qualify for Social Security disability.
At Lovins Law PLLC, we understand the difficulties that may arise for some claimants regarding obtaining eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. If you need an experienced lawyer to handle your social security disability case, there is no better option in Dallas, Austin, and the surrounding areas. We know the requirements of the SSA and are able to review your case and make sure it is worked diligently on your behalf to help you meet the SSA’s exact criteria. Call us today in Dallas at 512.535.1649 or Austin at 214.305.6700, or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation.