If you’ve been unable to work because of a disability, you may be interested in filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. These benefits can help you bring in an income while you’re focused on your own health needs.
It’s not always easy to qualify for SSD. Here’s a little more about this important benefit.
Who may be eligible for Social Security Disability?
SSD works like a type of disability insurance. You may be eligible to qualify for Social Security Disability payments if you have collected enough credits by paying Social Security taxes. How many credits you need depends on your age at the time when you file for disability benefits. Younger people may need fewer credits since they have not had enough time to collect as many as someone who is several years older.
Each year, you can earn a maximum of four credits. Normally, you need at least 40 credits to receive disability, with 20 of them being collected in the 10 years prior to the disability. Remember, your condition must be severe enough that it makes it impossible for you to work a substantial job, will last at least a year or is a terminal illness.
While your medical provider may say that you’re disabled (and they may be right), the truth is that it’s up to the Social Security Administration to allow your claim under their rules. They base their decision on many factors, which your attorney can speak with you more about if you intend to apply.
If you have already applied and received a rejection notice, take this to your attorney for review. It’s common to receive a rejection notice, but many of these rejections are able to be reevaluated and later approved for benefits. Our site has more on SSD and what you can do to appeal a denial or to make the best application on your first attempt.
