How to Qualify for Social Security Disability

When most people think about Social Security they think of a monthly payment that they’ll receive when the reach the age of retirement. What they may not know is that if you have a disability or an illness that leaves you unable to work they may be eligible for Social Security Disability long before they reach the age of 65.

The application process for Social Security Disability is lengthy and can be frustrating. You must obtain required medical information, and getting it reviewed can take months. At some point you may also have to go through an appeal process. However, before you start all of that you need to know what makes you eligible for the benefits in the first place.

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What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration oversees two programs that provide monthly payments to people who are disabled: Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Incomes (SSI). Both programs require you to either be totally disabled for at least a year, or dying. There are no benefits for those who are partially disabled or temporarily unable to work.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, your disability must make it impossible for you to continue working in your most recent job, or in any other job, taking into account your age, education, skills and past work experience.

You must also have contributed money to the Social Security system while you were working. The amount of disability benefits you will receive will depend on your average lifetime earnings. You may also be eligible for benefits based on a parent or spouse’s work history.

Social security may also make payments to some of your family members because of your disability. These include to your former or current spouse and your children, depending on their ages and other circumstances.

SSI benefits are available to low income people who do have not paid enough money into the Social Security system to qualify for SSD.

Ask a Minnesota Social Security Lawyer

Contact NGSW & B online or call 715-268-6130 for help with your Social Security Disability legal questions.