Am I Eligible for SSDI Benefits?

Navigating the complex landscape of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with issues that prevent you from working. If you find yourself unable to work due to a disability, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for SSDI benefits. Understanding the eligibility criteria and seeking guidance from a skilled Social Security Disability Lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of securing the support you need.

What is SSDI?

SSDI is a federal insurance program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. These benefits are available to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, earning sufficient work credits to qualify for assistance. 

To determine your eligibility for SSDI benefits, several factors are considered:

  • Medical Eligibility: You must have a qualifying disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
  • Work History: In addition to meeting the medical criteria, you must have a work history that demonstrates you have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. The SSA calculates work credits based on your annual income, and the number of credits required varies depending on your age at the time of disability. However, SSI does not require a work history to qualify, because it is financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury.
  • Duration of Disability: Your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Short-term disabilities that are expected to resolve within a year typically do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
  • Age Requirement: While there is no minimum age requirement for SSDI benefits, you must have earned a sufficient number of work credits before becoming disabled. It is often more difficult to qualify if you are under 50 – the younger you are, the more severe your impairments may have to be in order to be awarded. Additionally, there are special rules for individuals under the age of 22 who become disabled. 

How a Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the SSDI application process can be challenging, and many applicants are initially denied benefits. However, working with an experienced South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Here’s how they can assist you:

  • Initial Evaluation: A skilled attorney can assess your case to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits. They can review your medical records, work history, and other relevant information to build a strong case on your behalf.
  • Assistance with Application: Applying for SSDI benefits involves extensive paperwork and documentation. Your lawyer can help guide you through the process, and ensure that you gather all the required information to provide the SSA. 
  • Appeals Process: If your initial application is denied, your attorney can guide you through the appeals process. This may involve requesting a reconsideration of your case, representing you at a hearing before an administrative law judge, or pursuing further appeals if necessary.
  • Representation at Hearings: If your case proceeds to a hearing, having skilled legal representation will make a significant difference in your case. Your attorney can prepare you for the hearing, gather additional evidence to support your claim and present your case effectively before the judge.
  • Expedited Processing: In certain circumstances, such as dire need situations or compassionate allowances, your attorney can request expedited processing of your SSDI application to ensure you receive benefits as quickly as possible.

Contact McChesney & Ours, P.C. Today

If you’re unable to work due to a disability, SSDI benefits can provide essential financial support to help you make ends meet. However, navigating the SSDI application process can be intimidating, especially if you’re already dealing with health challenges. By seeking guidance from a knowledgeable South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of the system with confidence and increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve. Contact McChesney & Ours, P.C. today to get started.

We serve clients throughout the Carolinas from our offices in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Columbia.