Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an earned federal benefit for workers in the U.S. If you’ve paid into the Social Security system, then you are most likely eligible for these benefits. First, you must have a qualifying disability and have contributed to social security for long and recently enough, as determined by the Social Security Administration.
The SSA does maintain a list of qualifying disabilities that they consider severe enough to prevent you from “substantial gainful activity.” The list is extensive and includes certain types of:
- Mental disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Digestive system disorders
- Cancer
- Immune system disorders
SSDI only applies to total disability as the SSA sees it, not partial or short-term disability.
The categories above are just a few of those eligible, but there are many more. Even if your exact medical condition or disability isn’t on the list, the SSA will go through a process to determine if your disability is severe enough to prevent you from substantial gainful activity (your disability preventing you from earning a regular income).
The disability must have prevented you from doing work activities for at least one year (or is expected to last at least a year). The SSA will also determine if you can perform your former job duties or any other type of work and will likely deny the claim if you can work.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to qualifying for SSDI, and first-time applicants often feel bewildered. In fact, it’s not uncommon for claims to be denied due to insufficient proof of a disability or because of inaccurate information in the application. Our experienced SSDI attorneys know how to navigate the process and advocate for you and will appeal denied claims.
How Our SSDI Lawyers can Help
If you are wondering how to go about obtaining SSDI benefits, please call the law firm of Johnson & Biscone in Oklahoma City at 405-232-6490.
