How to Know if You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security disability benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to an injury or illness that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.  Social Security disability benefits are not available to every person who is unable to work.  The Social Security Administration has a strict set of criteria that applicants must meet in order to qualify for benefits. Your Chicago Social Security disability attorneys will help you determine whether you qualify.

Criteria for Qualifying

Clients often ask our Chicago disability lawyer how they know if they are eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration outlines specific requirements in order for a person to qualify for benefits, which include medical and financial eligibility. The federal agency will assess if your medical issues keep you from working in addition to any relevant legal or financial issues.

Financial Qualifications

Depending on your income, the SSA considers that you are working, which means that you will not meet the requirements for eligibility. The agency has specific details on their website, or you can ask our Chicago disability lawyer for information about these amounts. In order to qualify for SSD, you must have paid into the system for the minimum number of years, and your eligibility must not be expired, depending on the date when you last worked.

Medical Eligibility

You are medically eligible if you have a serious medical condition with the following caveats:

  1. Your condition qualifies as an impairment according to the definitions outlined by the SSA,
  2. You cannot work at any jobs you have previously performed, and
  3. You cannot work at other jobs because of your skills, age and education.

In addition, your condition must have lasted for a minimum of 12 months or be expected to last at least that long in order for you to qualify for SSD benefits. Our Chicago disability lawyer can provide you with specific information on qualifying.

Contact Chicago Disability Lawyer

If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits, call our experienced Chicago Social Security disability attorneys.  We will evaluate your case to help you determine whether or not you qualify and will assist you with the application process.  Call our office to schedule an initial consultation.