Suffering from a disability is anything but easy. It can be painful and overwhelming, especially if it is due to a recent injury or illness.
The inability to work can cause serious financial hardships, making it imperative that you understand Social Security Disability and how to apply for these benefits.
Do you qualify?
SSD claims can be filed for a wide range of disabilities. The Social Security Administration has a long list known as the Blue Book that catalogs health conditions that may make a person eligible for SSD benefits.
Some common conditions include arthritis and osteoarthritis, joint dysfunction, knee and hip replacements, shoulder injuries, neck injuries, repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, back and disc injuries, spinal disorder disabilities and chronic impairments, including cancer, heart problems, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Work credits
However, simply having a qualifying condition doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to receive the benefits. You must also have sufficient work credits to be eligible.
Your work credits are based on your work history.
Generally, you must have at least 40 work credits to be eligible for the SSD program. You can earn four work credits a year, so this means that generally, you must have been working for 10 years in order to meet the work history requirements.
There are some special considerations for younger workers who have not had the opportunity to gain sufficient work credits before the onset of their disabilities.
Learn more
Whether you are making an initial claim for SSD benefits or are filing an appeal after a denial of benefits, it is important to fully understand your situation and rights. Timing is often critical when it comes to these claims, making it imperative that you are aware of your rights and options.
