If you become disabled as a result of work-related injury or illness, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, to qualify for this type of benefit, you should have been working and paying Social Security taxes in the last 10 years. There are also other factors that you should prove to get the SSDI benefits. Read on to learn what Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is and how to get it.
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What is SSDI?
SSDI consists of a Social Security program that offers monthly benefits to individuals who become disabled before reaching their retirement age. The people eligible to get these benefits are no longer able to work due to their disabilities. It is imperative to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your disability is preventing you from doing your former job or any other work, and your condition should last 12 months or more to qualify for SSDI. The other thing that you should know is that the benefits are paid to you and specific members of your family.
Who Is Eligible For the SSDI Program?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must prove that you have worked in a certain job for a specific number of years and you were paying social security taxes. If your disability is expected to last longer than one year, then you can apply for the benefits. You must also prove that you are still young and you have not reached your full retirement age. However, if you become disabled before working long enough, you can consider applying for Supplemental Security Income.
You should also have acquired a specific number of work credits to qualify for the SSDI program. Each person can earn about four credits every year. For instance, you must have worked for about seven years or have 28 work credits to get SSDI benefits. The last five years of your work period must come from your last ten years of work before becoming disabled. You must also prove that your medical condition is severe, long-term, and you can no longer do your job.
Seek Legal Advice
Not all SSDI applications are automatically approved, and this means that you may be unlucky and your application is declined. As you can see, there are different elements that you should fulfill to get qualified. It is vital to hire a professional attorney to handle your case if you want to improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. As pointed out at LaPorte Law firm, some SSDI cases are complex, so you should seek strong legal representation to get what you deserve. Your lawyer will evaluate your application and provide advice concerning the merits of your case before taking action.
The success of your case strongly depends on how well your paperwork is presented. Experienced lawyers have decades of handling similar cases, and they can guarantee you success. The attorneys also understand the legal language that is used in these cases.
How is SSDI Calculated?
You should have paid social security taxes for the last five years out of your ten years of work. If your condition lasts for 12 months or longer, then you qualify for the benefits. The SSA usually considers your average earnings and the years that you have worked to calculate the SSDI amount that you deserve. You can also get an additional 50% benefit if you have a family that is dependent on your income.
Disability Benefits Approval and Denial
If your application for SSDI benefits is approved, you have to wait for five months before you start receiving your payment. However, it is not always guaranteed that your application will be approved. Some of the SSDI applications are denied for various reasons. If you get a denial letter, you can appeal the decision within 60 days where you request a review of your case. A different claims examiner can review the denial. If you fail again, you can request a hearing by a law judge within the SSA. If the medical condition persists, you can continue receiving the benefits.
If you become disabled as a result of work-related conditions, you may be eligible to get SSDI benefits. To qualify for these benefits, you need to prove that you have been paying social security taxes for the last five years. You should also have acquired a certain amount of work credits to qualify. It is essential to work with a lawyer to ensure that you increase your chances of getting the benefits, and if your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.
