Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to employees who are prevented from continuing to work due to a disability. In order to qualify for benefits, injured workers must meet eligibility requirements involving their employment history and medical issues.
Qualifying for SS disability in Trinity can be a challenging task, so many disabled workers choose to work with an experienced attorney. Knowledgeable social security lawyers could help by collecting and presenting evidence to demonstrate eligibility.
Work Requirements
SSDI is an insurance program, so benefits are only available to those who have paid premiums through payroll taxes. Family members may also receive benefits, but their eligibility is based on the employment history of the disabled spouse or parent.
Duration of Employment
The SSDI employment history requirement is based on work credits. An employee may earn up to four credits per year and needs 40 credits to fully qualify for SSDI benefits. For most workers, that equates to roughly ten years of full-time employment.
However, the actual number of credits needed varies depending on a worker’s situation. If an individual suffers a disability at a younger age, that worker will need fewer credits to meet the requirement. For instance, if the onset of disability occurs at age 46, a worker will need approximately six years of work credits to qualify for SS disability in Trinity.
Employment Must Be Recent
Not only must a worker earn enough credits, but a large number of those credits must have been earned in recent years. Many disabled employees will have had to work five out of the past ten years to be eligible.
Disability Requirements
Qualifying for SS disability in Trinity requires a worker to show that they suffer from a condition expected to last a year or more or to result in death. The condition must prevent the employee from performing work done previously and from adapting to other paid employment.
SSA uses a five-question process to determine whether an applicant is sufficiently disabled to qualify for SSDI benefits. The agency considers:
- Whether an applicant is working currently
- Whether a condition significantly limits the ability to do basic work for at least 12 months (activities such as sitting, standing, lifting, and remembering information)
- Whether a condition is listed on the agency’s roster of qualifying medical conditions
- Whether the medical condition prevents the applicant from doing work done previously
- Whether the applicant can perform any other type of work
An applicant’s age, work experience, education, and transferable skills are all considered as part of the process.
Proving Qualifications for SS Disability in Trinity
Many applicants who qualify for SSDI benefits will still receive rejections when they initially file a claim. Proving eligibility can be confusing and frustrating, so many people find it helpful to work with an SSDI attorney with experience filing applications and appealing denials.
Qualifying for SS disability in Trinity could provide much-needed support for an individual who is no longer able to work. For legal advice and guidance through the application or appeals process, call today and schedule a consultation.