Social Security Disability Basics: What Role Do Disability and Work History Have to Play in Social Security Disability Benefits Eligibility?
Some Social Security Disability applicants may notice that certain key terms come up frequently during the complex and challenging Social Security Disability application process. Indeed, between all the paperwork and forms, phone trees and website information, the terms “disability” and “work history” seem to come up routinely during the Social Security Disability application process. However, as many Social Security Disability benefits applicants know, these words have a “special” meaning under the Social Security Administration’s rules and regulations. To help Social Security Disability benefits applicants better understand these two important key terms, we discuss what they mean in the world of Social Security Disability here.
Disability and Work History: Two Important Factors in Determining Social Security Disability Eligibility
At the outset, it is important for Social Security Disability applicants to know that “disability” and “work history” are incredibly important criteria when it comes to the Social Security Disability applications process. Indeed, in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, an applicant must both be disabled, per the definition set by the Social Security Administration, and must have enough work history to be eligible for benefits. If an applicant does not meet these two criteria, they most likely will not be granted Social Security Disability Benefits.
Disability and the Social Security Disability Application Process
First and foremost, in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, an applicant must be “disabled” per the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled. This means that the person has an impairment that “affects [their] ability to work for a year or more, or will result in death.” Alternatively, an applicant may meet the criteria of “disabled” if they are blind.
Work History and the Social Security Disability Application Process
Secondly, a Social Security Disability applicant must have enough work history to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Under the Social Security Administration’s rules and regulations, “Generally, [an applicant] must have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for Disability. People under the age of 24 may not need to have worked as long.” In sum, a person applying for Social Security Disability benefits must both be disabled under the Social Security Administration’s definition, and must have accumulated enough work history to be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits. If you have questions about your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, it is best to speak with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer as soon as possible about your case.
Legal Help for Social Security Disability Benefits – Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law help Social Security Disability applicants get benefits due to them. Do not hesitate to speak with a lawyer today. Contact Nationwide Disability Law and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
ssa.gov/disability/eligibility
