If you have an injury or illness that has left you unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To qualify, you must have paid in to Social Security system by working a certain amount of time depending on your age. In addition, your disability cannot be a partial or short-term condition that other insurance, such as workers’ compensation, might cover.
How do you know if your disability qualifies under the Social Security Administration (SSA) rules? A disability refers to any condition, illness or injury that affects a person’s ability to work. The SSA considers your disability as eligible for coverage if these conditions are met:
- You cannot do work that you did before.
- You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s).
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
The SSA has a list of medical conditions that qualify for disability, which include certain cancers, heart conditions, musculoskeletal diseases, endocrine disorders, and mental conditions, among others. If your condition is not on the list, the SSA will determine whether your condition is as serious as those listed.
In addition, spouses of deceased workers between the ages of 50 and 60 may also qualify for SSDI, as may blind people, children and young adults, and wounded warriors and veterans.
Unfortunately for those seeking relief, the SSA often denies initial claims. That’s where an attorney can help you file an appeal that documents the severity of your disability and how it has affected your ability to work.
The Lanier Law Group, P.A. has years of experience assisting clients in North Carolina who need help obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. We offer full-service support and strong legal advocacy. Call us toll free at 855-234-7619 or contact us today for a free consultation about your case.