For those who cannot work full time or draw an income of a certain amount, it may be necessary to consider social security disability benefits. Dealing with physical pain or a mental health condition can be incredibly impactful for a person and may make it challenging to manage your bills and even retain housing. Social security disability benefits may be a viable option that you have yet to consider. There are several reasons to consider applying for social security disability. In some cases, seeking legal representation from a disability lawyer may be an appropriate step to take.
#1. You Are Unable to Work for 12 Months
When a medical condition is so debilitating that you cannot work for 12 months or longer, disability may be something to consider. Typically, benefits will be paid until a person can work again. Throughout this time, the SSA provides work incentives, allowing those who are disabled to start working again while still receiving benefits and healthcare coverage.
#2. Your Ability to Work Is Limited
If you are unable to work because of your medical condition and cannot do a past or current job, you may want to consider social security disability benefits. The SSA will look at your work history, age, education, and condition and work to determine whether you can do other work. However, be aware that you may draw an income, but it must be less than $1,260 per month.
#3. You Have Enough Work Credits
When a person works a job approved by the SSA, they earn work credits throughout their lifetime. To obtain social security disability, a person must earn enough work credits throughout their lifetime. The maximum amount of work credits you can receive each year is four. One work credit is equivalent to earning $1,410. To qualify for social security disability, applicants will need to have 20 work credits.
#4. Your Condition Is Considered an Impairment by the SSA
One sure sign that an applicant will qualify for social security benefits is having a medical condition that qualifies through the SSA. Some of the most common conditions for disability are:
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Back Problems
- Cancer
- Mental Health Issues
- Arthritis/Joint Problems
#5. You Have Substantial Evidence Outlining the Extent of Your Condition
If you have been accessing treatment for your medical condition, it will play a key role in your ability to retain disability benefits. Substantial evidence is needed to help prove your condition, outline your treatments, and the impact it has had on you—mental health records, medical records, MRIs, CAT scans, treatment recommendations, medications, and more.
Contacting a Lawyer
Social security disability benefits are often needed for those living with a medical condition that impacts their ability to draw an income. To learn more about the process of applying for social security, it’s critical to make sure that nothing is left out of the application. Whether you are in the initial stages of the application process or have recently experienced a denial, it may be a good idea to reach out to experienced social security disability lawyers, like from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, to provide counsel.