Disabled people may be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits if they meet certain requirements set by the Social Security Administration.

Social Security Disability benefits are designed to help American workers who are suffering from a debilitating condition. When Indiana residents are no longer able to support themselves or their families because of an ailment, they may be able to receive benefits that will help them make ends meet. According to the Social Security Administration, however, not all Americans are eligible to receive SSDI benefits. Recipients of these benefits must be approved through the SSA. Although SSA representatives may take into consideration certain circumstances in different cases, they generally follow a strict set of policies when it comes to approving or denying a Social Security disability claim.

Past employment is essential

To be considered for Social Security Disability benefits, the applicant must have worked in a job that contributed to social security. Furthermore, the applicant must have been employed in a SSA approved position for a certain amount of time. Each year, workers have the ability to earn up to four social security credits. The number of credits they earn is dependent on the amount of money they made in a given year. For example, in 2015 the set wages are $1,220 for one social security credit. Workers can earn up to four credits once they earn $4,880 in wages for the year. The set wage changes every year.

The SSDI applicant must then have enough credits accumulated to be considered for benefits. In most cases, the worker must have at least 40 credits to be eligible, depending on the age of the disabled applicant. If the applicant is working and grossed more than $1,070 each month in 2014, they will not be eligible for benefits.

Approved disabilities

According to the SSA, a person is disabled if they are no longer able to perform the same type of work that they did prior to the injury or disability. The disability must also be listed on the SSA’s list of approved disabilities. If the applicant can adjust to some other type of employment, his or her SSDI benefits may be denied. Yet, those who are not able to perform any type of work may move on in the application process. The disability must be chronic, life-long or expected to last for at least a year.

When to seek legal counsel

An attorney is not required to file for SSDI benefits. Yet, many people have benefitted by having personal legal counsel during the SSDI application process. An Indiana lawyer may ensure that all of your forms are filled out properly and may be able to expedite the application process.

Keywords: Social Security, disability, benefits