Social Security disability insurance is a body that aims to replace a portion (not full) of your income in the event that you become disabled. You must accrue the required work credit and demonstrate you can’t earn a living with your condition. The benefits are paid monthly to help you maintain a level of financial security.
Types of Impairments Covered
Physical impairments
Osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis are common musculoskeletal conditions that SSDI typically covers. They restrict movement and are generally associated with numbness and chronic discomfort.
Chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease are other typical examples covered by SSDI. Such individuals exhibit signs of weakness.
Mental impairments
SSA will measure how depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia impede your everyday functions. Are you able to work on a regular basis?
Progressive conditions and their eligibility
ALS and Parkinson’s disease can compromise your functional abilities – the symptoms worsen over time.
Eligibility Criteria for SSDI
SSA defines a “disability” as a condition or a disorder that prevents you from performing a profitable activity. If your physical or mental abilities are compromised, you need to show the extent or severity of the problem.
Work history requirements for SSDI
To qualify for the benefits, you must achieve the recommended work credits (based on age). SSA will evaluate whether you have recent work experience – you need 20 credits for the last 10 years before you became disabled.
SSA will also consider the duration of the impairment. Your medical professional must demonstrate that the disability will remain for an entire year.
The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process
- SSA will cross-check whether you fall in the category of SGA. If you’ve been earning more than the threshold amount, you’re not disabled.
- Do you have a severe impairment? This is considered a major inconvenience.
- Listing the impairment
- Assessment of residual functional capacity – is there something you can do despite the impairment?
- Ability to perform other work
Initial screening (working and earning levels)
This step is crucial in evaluating whether an individual can engage in a gainful activity. If the earnings are below the threshold, you qualify.
Medical assessment and determination of impairments
SSA will request medical documents like test results, medical notes, and treatment history.
Comparing impairments with SSA’s Blue Book listings
The Blue Book has listings for children and adults. SSA will compare the impairments and describe the severity of each. SSA will also assess whether the claimant can engage in other types of work. This process requires a detailed job analysis, including duties, work functions, etc.
What to Expect After Applying
The application review process
Once you submit the initial application, it’s reviewed. SSA can request additional information or deny the claim. If the application is accepted, you’ll receive the start date. If it’s rejected, you can request a formal hearing.
Claims are denied when you submit insufficient medical information. Other reasons for denial include:
- Failure to prove you have severe impairment
- Not meeting the definition of disability
- Inability to prove your work history
- Incomplete application
- Previous denials
Reconsideration can take up to 180 days, while ALJ hearing can take up to 1 year.
How to Strengthen Your SSDI Claim
A Social Security disability attorney will help you navigate the SSDI process. He will submit the initial application, represent you at hearings, and make an appeal. Furthermore, he will collect the necessary documentation to build a strong case.
Staying Informed and Maintaining Benefits
You should review your continued disability periodically. If improvement is possible, SSA will review the impairment within 18 months. They can stop or continue the benefits. You’re also required to update your medical records to continue with the program.
Conclusion
If your condition is within SSA listings (impairment and disability), you meet the criteria. You need to provide details of your work history and medical records. The SSA will review the application. If the claim is denied, you can appeal. You should update your medical records to continue receiving the benefits.