Grand Rapids Social Security Disability Eligibility Lawyer
Disabled workers often call our firm with questions. Many are afraid they cannot support themselves now that a medical condition is keeping them out of work. Helpfully, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers a disability benefits program which most workers pay into through their lives. Please contact Nationwide Disability Law if you need help applying or if you want to ask questions. The criteria for receiving benefits are strict. Thousands of workers in Michigan are denied Social Security Disability benefits through no fault of their own. In a free consultation, our Grand Rapids Social Security Disability eligibility lawyer will walk you through the guidelines and help analyze whether you qualify.
Defining Disability for Purposes of Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) created its own definition of disability. You must meet all of the following:
- Your medical condition prevents you from working at a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level;
- Your medical condition prevents you from doing different work or going back to an old job;
- Your condition has lasted at least one year or is expected to last that long or result in death.
Whether you are performing SGA will depend on how much you earn and the year. For 2024, SGA is defined as $1,550 per month. If you are blind, then the amount is $2,590 a month. The amount changes each year.
Your disability also must appear on a Listing of Impairments compiled by SSA in the “Blue Book.” When a disability is listed, SSA has already found it sufficiently severe for you to qualify as disabled.
What happens if your condition is not listed? Don’t give up. You might still qualify if you present sufficient medical evidence of your limitations. Our SSD attorney can help you make this case.
Calculating Work Credits
Your work history is a main determinant of whether you qualify for benefits. Those with inadequate work history won’t receive SSD benefits, even if they are severely disabled.
Typically, you must have at least 40 work credits earned, and you must have earned at least 20 of them within the past 10 years. If not, then you might not qualify for benefits. Younger workers can typically qualify with fewer work credits, but the required number will depend on their age.
You can check your annual statement from SSA to see the number of credits you have earned. In 2024, you will earn one credit for every $1,730 earned. A worker can earn a maximum of 4 credits in a year.
Get the Help You Need
Disability benefits are a crucial pillar of financial support for many workers. Sadly, SSA places many hurdles in front of those suffering from pain and limitation. It’s natural for many workers to become confused about what to do.
Call Nationwide Disability Law today to speak with an attorney. We have guided hundreds of disabled workers through the application process. We can also help if you’ve already received a denial notice and hope to appeal. Our Grand Rapids Social Security Disability eligibility lawyer is available for a free consultation.
