If you are disabled and can no longer work, you might be able to get Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. However, not everyone who is disabled qualifies for benefits. What’s more, you might also qualify for Medicare, which can help significantly reduce your medical costs. Keep reading to learn more about qualifying for SSD and then contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 if you have questions or need help.
What is Social Security Disability and what are the basic factors involved in qualifying?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program providing cash benefits to people who are permanently disabled and unable to work. There are two factors involved in qualifying for SSD:
- You have worked and paid Social Security taxes
- You are permanently disabled and that disability prevents you from working
SSDI is linked to the Medicare program. Once a person has received SSDI benefits for two years, they are automatically eligible for Medicare. This is true even if they are not yet 65 years old.
If you’ve worked in the past but are now disabled and cannot work, it is worth considering applying for SSDI.
More about qualifying for SSD
In order to qualify for SSD, you must be insured. When you submit your claim, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your work history to ensure that you’ve worked long enough for SSDI coverage. Keep in mind that this is an insurance program that does not involve proving financial need to qualify.
The SSA determines that you are disabled by looking at five criteria:
- Are you working?
- Is your condition severe?
- Is your condition on their official list of disabling conditions?
- Can you do the work you used to do?
- Can you do any other type of work?
There are exceptions to every rule
There are exceptions and a few instances in which you could qualify for benefits even if you have not worked long enough to be covered by SSDI, or even if you are not disabled.
For example, if you have not worked enough hours to qualify and your disability occurred before you turned 22, you could qualify for Childhood Disability Benefits. If you are under the age of 19 and your parents receive retirement or disability benefits you could receive benefits. If you are widowed and your spouse received SSDI before their death, you could qualify for benefits on your own.
If you are in need of help applying for SSDI, responding to a denial, or need similar assistance, contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 now for a free legal consultation.