What Must Be Proven To Receive Social Security Disability

If you have a disability that affects your ability to work, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. SSDI offers financial assistance if you are disabled and meet specific criteria, such as having a qualifying disability. Social Security Disability has gotten more challenging to qualify for, so you should have an Illinois Social Security Disability attorney at Harold W. Conick & Associates assist you.

How To Receive Social Security Disability

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a certain quantity of work credits based on your age. You receive four work credits per year as long as Social Security covers the job. Because you work, and you paid into the system you should be eligible for disability if you meet specific criteria, such as having a disability.

The monthly SSEI benefits you receive depend on your average earnings for life before you became disabled. As of 2019, the average monthly SSDI benefit was $1,234. But most who qualify can claim between $800-$1,800. Each year, the Social Security Administration gives you a Social Security Statement that lists your covered earnings, which can help you estimate the SSDI you will receive.

What You Have To Prove To Receive SSDI

To qualify as disabled to receive SSDI, your condition has to restrict your ability to work. Not every condition makes you eligible for Social Security Disability, so you should review the SSA’s list of impairments to see if your condition may qualify. If your condition is not on the list, you could still be eligible if you meet specific criteria and have sufficient medical documentation. According to the SSA, it considers that you have a qualifying disability under its rules if the following are true:

• You cannot work and engage in substantial gainful activity because of your injury or condition.
• You cannot engage in work you did before or adjust to another kind of work because of your injury or condition.
• Your condition has lasted or will likely last for at least a year or cause death.

Further, the SSA will follow its step-by-step process involving the following questions to decide if your disability qualifies:

1. Are you working? If you worked this year and your earnings averaged more than $1,470 per month, you usually cannot be considered to have a qualifying disability.
2. Is the condition severe? The condition must significantly limit your ability to work, such as standing, sitting, lifting, or remembering – for at least a year. If it does not, the SSA will determine you are not disabled.
3. Is the condition on the list of disabling conditions? The SSA lists medical conditions for all major body systems that are severe enough to qualify you as disabled.
4. Can you do the work you did before? The SSA decides if your medical condition prevents you from doing the work you did before. If it does not, they will say you do not have a qualifying disability.
5. Can you do another kind of work? If you cannot do the work you did before, the SSA will look for other work you could do. If you cannot engage in other work, they will determine that you qualify for SSDI.

Contact Our Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Now

Getting Social Security Disability is not easy, but it is possible with a skilled attorney helping you. If you have questions about your case, call (800) 608-8881, and our Illinois Social Security Disability attorney at Harold W. Conick & Associates can review your situation.