Social Security Qualifications
Are You Eligible for SSDI or SSI Benefits?
Millions of people enjoy the peace of mind that Social Security benefits provide. If you’re disabled and unable to work, you may be entitled to receive Social Security benefits.
There are different types of Social Security benefits for different situations. A local Social Security attorney can help you discover your options and take the next step in claiming your benefits.
Even if you’ve already applied on your own, it’s not too late to speak with an attorney about the process and what to do if your claim is denied.
Arrange a free consultation with a Social Security lawyer near you today. Simply fill out the quick case review form below to take the next step now.
Eligibility for SSDI
Your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance depends in part upon your work history.
Disability benefit payments are based on work credits, which are awarded for certain amount of taxed income that is adjusted each year. These taxes pay into Social Security, which allows a worker to receive benefits once they become disabled.
A maximum of four credits can be earned each year, and most workers need to have earned 40 credits to be fully eligible for Disability benefits. However, this requirement is lowered for younger workers and in other special circumstances.
The other main qualification is to have a medical condition which renders you “totally disabled” to work at any job, not just perform the job you had when you became injured or ill. Medical proof must be presented that the disability has lasted or will last at least 12 months or result in death.
Typically, any illness, injury or other medical condition that meets these criteria may qualify a person for Disability benefits. However, sufficient medical evidence must be presented for a claim to approved.
Eligibility for SSI
Supplemental Security Income is different from SSDI in that you don’t have to “pay-in” or earn it through prior taxes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to a person who is disabled, legally blind, or 65 years or older, and meets the following criteria:
- Has limited income (wages and other benefits)
- Has limited resources (savings and physical assets under $2,000 for an individual)
- Is a U.S. citizen or national, or is a qualified alien
- Resides in the United States, Washington D.C. or Northern Mariana Islands
The amount of benefits you may qualify for depends on need at the annual Federal benefit rate, which may be updated each year for inflation. In some states, this amount may be supplemented by other federal or state-level income benefits.
Click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability Insurance case
Eligibility for other Benefits
Many people who are eligible for Social Security benefits find that they qualify for other government benefits as well, such as Veteran’s benefits, SNAP benefits, TANF benefits and more.
Social Security and other government benefits are designed to help people who don’t have the means or the capacity to provide security for themselves.
These programs exist to give ordinary Americans the support they deserve. Ask a local Social Security attorney about which other benefits you may be entitled to.
Ask an Attorney if You’re Eligible for Social Security Benefits Today
If you’re struggling to get your claim pushed through the Social Security Administration’s approval process, you don’t have to fight alone. A local Social Security lawyer can be your advocate and work on your behalf to get any benefits that you may be due.
You can arrange a free, no-obligation legal consultation with an attorney near you today. Simply fill out the quick case review form below to get started now.