A worker’s life is unpredictable. One minute you are well and working, and the next, you can no longer support yourself due to a severe medical condition or disability. What do you do to protect the future of your loved ones? If you comply with all the social security disability insurance rules, you can benefit from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
SSDI is a federally administered and funded program. It is designed to protect workers who develop conditions that prevent them from working for at least 12 months. In June 2020. It benefited over 8.3 million people.
Have you suffered a work-related injury or illness? Discuss your rights with expert Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Attorneys from Snow, Carpio, Weekley.
Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
The Social Security Administration provides a Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool where you can check your eligibility for benefits. You can also check if your condition is covered on their Adult Listing of Impairments page. Meanwhile, here are some conditions you must meet to qualify. You must:
- Be younger than your retirement age.
- Have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Meet the SSA’s definition of disability
Application Process
Once you determine your eligibility, you can apply for disability benefits. This can be done in person, through the phone with an agent, or online. The general steps include gathering the necessary documents and information and filling in and submitting your application.
Some of the documents that should be included in your application include your:
- Proof of U.S citizenship
- Birth certificate or other proof of birth.
- Self-employment tax returns or W-2 forms for the previous year
- Medical records, test results, or a doctor’s report
- Proof that you received workers’ compensation or similar benefits
- Discharge papers if were in military service before 1968
Evaluation Process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is in charge of deciding whether you qualify for disability benefits. Some conditions are so severe and disabling that they are automatically approved. However, other applicants need to satisfy more conditions.
When evaluating your case, the SSA will screen your condition carefully. They will also subject your application to the following criteria:
- Employment status – Are you currently working? If you are, you might not qualify for benefits.
- Nature of condition – Is your injury or illness severe? If so, it must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Compatibility with the list – Is your condition mentioned in the SSA list of disabling medical conditions.
- Earning ability – Can you perform your previous work duties?
- Alternative income generation – Can you do any other type of work?
Talk to a Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Even when you follow all the rules, it is not uncommon for your initial application to be denied. The good news is you can always have it reviewed. An experienced attorney in Arizona can work with you to ensure you are well compensated as you deserve.
At Snow, Carpio, and Weekley, we have a combined work experience of over 100 years. We understand social security disability insurance rules and can help protect your rights. Contact us at (877) 370 – 5788 to discuss your questions or concerns with top Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Attorneys.
References
https://www.nasi.org/learn/socialsecurity/disability-insurance
