How to Determine Eligibility for Social Security Disability?

Disability insurance benefits

One of the worst parts of having a disability is depending on someone else for your financial security. If you need daily care or have high medical expenses, it can get even more stressful for you to make ends meet. 

But there's a solution that can end your worries for good - applying for Social Security disability benefits.

By signing up for it, you can get a steady source of income every month when your health prevents you from working. However, before that, you need to know how to determine eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. 

Knowing about these eligibility criteria is the first step you can take to get the support you need to regain a sense of independence! And to help understand them properly, we've prepared this guide for you! 

What Comes Under the Social Security Disability Program?

When you have a disability or a medical condition because of which you had to stop working, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help you with two types of financial programs. 

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

If you have a work history and have contributed to Social Security, you may qualify for SSDI. But if you have limited income and resources, you might be eligible for SSI instead. Apart from this, there are several other eligibility criteria that you need to know about before applying for either of them (or both) to receive the financial help you need. And we’ll talk about them one by one!

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Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

First, we'll talk about SSDI, which you can apply for when you have a work history either through your own employment or your family member (parent/spouse). But you might be thinking, "How do I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?" Well, here are some criteria you need to know about!

1. Work Credits

While in general you might need 40 credits to qualify for SSDI, you'll have to know about other factors as well.

  • Out of the 40 credit points that you earn, 20 credits should come from the last 10 years before your disability starts. And this is called the 20/40 rule. But if you’re younger, you might qualify with fewer credits.
  • Each year, the earnings you need to get a work credit may be different. This year, you'll need to earn one work credit for every $1,810 you make in wages or self-employment income in a quarter. After you’ve earned $7,240 in a year, you’ll have your four credits for that year.

2. Medical Condition

You won’t get benefits for a partial or short-term disability. You'll have to show proper medical documents or a doctor's proof that you have a medical condition that's listed under the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. 

This can include anything, like musculoskeletal disorders, speech impairment, respiratory disorders, hematological disorders, mental disorders, cancer, immune system disorders, skin disorders, etc.

3. Other Disability & Monthly Income Rules

You also need to make sure that you -

  • Can’t work at a substantial level because of your medical condition.
  • Can’t do your old job or adjust to other work because of your condition.
  • Have a condition that lasts (or is expected to last) at least 12 consecutive months or could result in death.

Plus, if you're applying for SSDI benefits, your monthly income should be less than $1,620/month  (if you're not blind). If you're blind, then this amount will be around $2,700/ month.

4. Time Limit to Apply for SSDI

You don’t have to wait 12 months to apply for the benefits. If your medical records show your disability will last at least a year (or result in death), you can apply for SSDI as soon as you can’t work to make ends meet. 

If you need help to determine whether you qualify for the benefits or not, you can get help from a trusted Social Security attorney!

Want to Apply for SSDI? Call Us Now to Make the Process Hassle-Free

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? 

When it comes to the eligibility criteria for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you don't need to have a work history to qualify for the benefits. Here's everything you need to know about the criteria!

1. About “Aged,” “Blind,” and “Disabled” Rules for SSI

To get SSI, you need to fit into one or more of three main categories. 

  • Aged, simply means you’re 65 or older. 
  • Blind, means your vision is 20/200 or less in your better eye, even with glasses, or your visual field is 20 degrees or less. 
  • Disabled, means you have a physical or mental disease that keeps you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. 

If you’re under 18, the disability must cause severe functional limits and last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death.

2. Income and Resources Rules for SSI

To consider your eligibility, the SSA will take a look at both your income and your resources. And your income can include wages from work, VA benefits, or even help from friends and family. 

Plus, the SSA will also consider your resources, like your bank accounts, stocks, vehicles, land, or life insurance. You need to make sure that you have $2,000 or less in resources if you’re single (or a child) and $3,000 or less if you’re a couple, although not everything you own is counted.

3. Compassionate Allowances (CAL) Program

You can also get compassionate allowances (CAL) if you have a serious disease that comes under Social Security's standards for disability benefits. So, if you have diseases like cancers, adult brain disorders, and other rare childhood conditions, you can apply for CAL and get the benefits quickly!

4. Residency and Citizenship Rules

When it comes to citizenship rules, to qualify for the benefits, you must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, and you can’t be outside the U.S. for a full month or for 30 straight days or more. 

You also can’t be living in a government-funded institution like a prison or hospital. On top of that, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, or a qualified noncitizen under specific DHS (Department of Homeland Security) rules.

Answers to Your Questions on SSDI and SSI

1. When will I start receiving my SSDI or SSI benefits?

Here’s what you can expect - 

2. How do you apply for SSDI or SSI?

You can apply directly online by going to the official site of SSA, or you can visit your local Social Security office for help. If you want, you can hire a Social Security attorney for guidance in the matter.

3. Can a surviving spouse get disability benefits after a worker dies?

Yes. If you’re between 50 and 60 and have a qualifying disability that began before or within 7 years of your spouse’s (or ex-spouse’s) death, you may be eligible for disabled surviving spouse’s benefits.

Speak to Our Experienced Social Security Attorney for Help!

Takeaway

When you know about the social security disability eligibility criteria, you can take the right steps to secure your financial future. While to qualify for SSDI, you need to have a work history and a medical condition, you'll get SSI benefits if you have a low income and a disability. 

If you come across any problem or doubt regarding the whole process, it's best to take help from a Social Security lawyer!

Hadley & Fraulob - We Won’t Rest Until We Ensure You Get the Social Security Benefits You Deserve!

At Hadley & Fraulob, we're here to help you get your Social Security disability benefits quickly and without any hassle. If you have any confusion determining Social Security disability eligibility criteria, we'll explain everything to you clearly and help you apply for SSI and SSDI benefits.

You can also come to us if your initial application for these benefits gets rejected. With 40+ years of experience in the legal field, we know exactly what to do to ensure you get the benefits you're entitled to quickly. 

So, call our seasoned Social Security attorney at (800) 404-4458.