Oakland County Social Security Disability Eligibility Lawyer
Disabled workers often struggle with supporting themselves and maintaining their independence. Helpfully, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can help defray the cost of living. While you worked, you paid a portion of your wages to the government to fund this program. But when it comes time to request benefits, many disabled workers face a confusing denial despite suffering with serious bodily limitations. Call Nationwide Disability Law for assistance. An Oakland County Social Security Disability eligibility lawyer at our firm can review your work history and medical records and provide knowledgeable advice.
How The Social Security Administration Defines Disability
You will only be eligible for benefits if you meet the definition set by SSA for being disabled:
- You cannot perform the work you did before your illness or injury;
- You cannot do other work due to your medical condition;
- You do not make more in a month than the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold; and
- Your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Your disability also needs to be sufficiently severe. SSA will see if it is found on their Listing of Impairments, also called the “Blue Book.” If it is listed there, then odds are very high your disability qualifies. If not, there is still hope. You can present evidence that shows your limitations are equivalent to a listed disability, and SSA will find it sufficiently serious.
Sufficient Work Credits
Having a serious disability is only one part of eligibility. You could be completely paralyzed and still not receive SSD benefits if you do not have sufficient work credits.
A worker earns credits based on how much they make in a year. For 2024, you can earn 1 credit for every $1,730 earned, up to a maximum of 4 credits.
Typically, a worker must have 40 credits earned over the course of their work history to be eligible. Further, at least 20 credits must have been earned in the past 10 years. SSA wants to see recent work history.
Younger workers might qualify with fewer than 40 credits, depending on how long they have been working. For example, a worker who is younger than 24 could qualify if they have earned at least 6 work credits in the three years before they were disabled. A Social Security Disability eligibility lawyer in Troy, Michigan can meet to go over your work history.
We Provide Legal Assistance for Those Seeking SSDI Benefits
After an injury, disabled workers need benefits as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the application process is extremely complicated. Many people who should receive benefits get rejected for no good reason, but they have a right to appeal.
Contact Nationwide Disability Law. Our legal team has helped countless disabled workers obtain SSDI benefits, and we can help simplify the process for you. Our clients benefit from the individualized attention we provide to them, whether they are filing initial claims or appealing an unfair denial. Call our firm today to schedule a free, no-risk consultation with an Oakland County Social Security Disability eligibility lawyer.
