Are you a hard-working employee suddenly faced with a disability that is threatening your income potential? If so, you may be wondering about your ability to qualify for social security disability.
To qualify, you will need to prove to the Social Security Administration that you meet their eligibility requirement. One thing to keep in mind, the criteria to be approved can be rigorous.
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is paid from the Social Security tax fund. You qualify for SSDI by having enough credits in your job history. The formula for your work credits is based on your age, how much you have worked and what you have paid for Social Security taxes.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gets its funding from general tax revenues. This gives applicants a way to qualify even though they do not have a steady work history. To qualify for SSI you need to either be over the age of 65, have a disability, be legally blind and the total assets for your family needs to be less than $3,000 or $2,000 for an individual. Assets can include your salary, stocks, real estate, savings and pensions.
Qualifying for benefits
As an applicant, the first criteria is proving your disability is long-term or permanent. If your disability is not expected to continue for at least one year or longer, you will not qualify for benefits.
If your disability is long-term, you must meet the guidelines that will prevent you from “substantial gainful activity.” This is based on the severity of your disability and even where you live. The SSA examines if your disability will prevent you from successfully performing the normal tasks of your job. Lastly, the SSA determines if your condition will stop you from finding a new job based on the disability, along with your age and education.
If you are considering applying for SSDI benefits, consider speaking with a disability attorney who can guide you through the necessary steps and provide the information you need to know.
