Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is a long and confusing process. Before diving into your application, there are a few things you should consider to determine if you are eligible to receive benefits.
If you find that you are eligible to apply and your claim is denied, contact one of our leading disability benefits lawyers in Phoenix for help appealing your claim. We have years of experience working through the Social Security Administrations (SSA) processes and can help you present a strong appeal to get your claim approved.
Call 1-800-503-2000 to get started.
When applying for benefits, Social Security will use both medical and non-medical criteria to evaluate your claim and determine your eligibility.
Non-Medical Requirements
The first step in processing a disability benefits claim is to determine if the applicant meets the non-medical requirements for either SSD or SSI. If you do not meet these requirements, you will receive a technical denial.
To qualify for SSD, you have to have worked a job that paid into Social Security and you must earn less than a certain amount of money each month.
SSI, on the other hand, is need-based and requires that the applicant not have income that exceeds a certain amount each month.
Proving a Disability
Social Security only pays for total disability it does not pay for partial or short-term disabilities. Its definition of a disability is based on your inability to do work and therefore you must demonstrate that:
- You cannot perform the work that you did before
- You cannot adjust to another type of work because of your medical condition
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for a minimum of twelve months
In order to prove all of these requirements, you must have medical records with documentation from your doctor that shows that your condition is so debilitating that you cannot work.
The SSA also has a Blue Book detailing a number of impairments that are qualified to receive benefits. If your condition is not listed exactly in the book, you can still prove your eligibility by demonstrating that your condition prevents you from working.
A Disability Benefits Lawyer Can Help
If you believe that you are eligible to receive either SSD or SSI, but your claim has been denied, contact the disability benefits lawyers at Dayes Law Firm PC. We will walk with you through the appeals process and will help you get the benefits you need.
Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form to get started.