Social Security Disability Income Benefits
Federal Benefits for Those Who Can’t Work Due to Injury or Illness
If you’re injured or suffer from an illness that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for disability income benefits through the Social Security Administration. There’s no requirement that your injury or illness be work-related. If you can’t work because of a medical condition, The Legal Café can help you connect with an experienced SSDI lawyer to help you pursue disability benefits. Contact a proven Social Security Disability Income attorney today.
How Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) Benefits?
There are some specific eligibility requirements:
- You must have worked jobs in the past where you paid into the social security system, usually by your employer withholding FICA taxes. To qualify, you also must have accumulated a certain number of “quarters” where you paid into social security. The required number varies based on your age at the time of your disability.
- You must meet the definition of disability, as set forth by the Social Security Administration. To meet this test, your disability must be such that you cannot perform basic work-related activities, such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, or remembering, for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.
- The Social Security Administration maintains a list of qualifying disabilities. If your condition is on the list, you automatically qualify. If not, you can still receive benefits, but only if the Social Security Administration determines that your condition is sufficiently severe.
- You must show that there are no other comparable jobs that you could perform, given your medical conditions, age, past work experience, education, and skills.
- If you work while receiving disability benefits, your work income must be below a certain level ($1,310 per month in 2021).
If you believe you meet the qualifications to receive SSDI benefits or would like to meet with an experienced social security disability lawyer to determine your eligibility, complete the online form or come to our store at 114 Main Street in Fort Worth.
How Is the Amount of a Social Security Benefit Calculated?
If you meet the requirements and qualify for SSDI payments, the Social Security Administration will then establish the monthly amount of your benefits. The calculation is based purely on your average lifetime earnings for social security. SSDI benefits do not vary based on the severity of a disability. Furthermore, monthly benefits aren’t affected by any additional income you receive, as long as your income from work remains below the amount required for eligibility.
How Does the Social Security Administration Define “Disability”?
The Social Security Administration defines disability very differently than state workers’ compensation laws. First, there is no such thing as a partial disability payment under an SSDI claim. Social security disability payments are available only for total disability.
For your condition to fall within the Social Security Administration definition of “disability,” you must show three things:
- That you are unable to do the work of your previous job because of an injury or illness,
- That your condition prevents you from doing any other kind of work, and
- That you expect your disability to last at least 12 months or result in your death.
Find a Social Security Disability Attorney Today
At The Legal Café, we can help put you in touch with an experienced social security disability income lawyer, so that you can determine your rights. Complete our online form or come to the Café, located at 114 Main Street in the heart of the Fort Worth courthouse district.