Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Determining whether you qualify for a particular Social Security disability benefit can be confusing. The qualification requirements are complex and may be interpreted in different ways. That complexity is one of the reasons so many initial applications for benefits are denied and why so many disabled people need legal representation after denial. Experienced and expert legal help can often reverse an initial denial of benefits.

To help you understand the basic qualifications for the different Social Security disability programs, we’ve listed the basic qualifications for each program below. If you meet these qualifications, you should apply for the program for which you qualify.

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)

You must have worked and paid FICA taxes or Self-Employment taxes.
Your work history must meet time minimums, depending on your age.
You must have a serious physical or mental disability.
Your disability must be one in the current listings of Adult Impairments and Child Impairments
Your disability must prevent you from earning a substantial income.
Your disability must be documented by your physician or physicians.
Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last more than 12 months.
If you work, you may not earn more than a specified amount.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You may be of any age. Minors and adults can receive these benefits.
You must have a very low income and very limited assets.
You must have a serious physical or mental disability.
Your disability must be one in the current listings of Adult Impairments and Child Impairments
Your disability must prevent you from earning a substantial income.
Your disability must be documented by your physician or physicians.
Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last more than 12 months.
If you work, you may not earn more than a specified amount.

Benefits For Disabled Adult Children

Your disability must have begun before the age of 22.
A parent must be receiving SSDI insurance or retirement benefits or must be deceased.
You must have a serious physical or mental disability.
Your disability must be one in the current listings of Adult Impairments and Child Impairments
Your disability must prevent you from earning a substantial income.
Your disability must be documented by your physician or physicians.
Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last more than 12 months.
If you work, you may not earn more than a specified amount.

Disabled Widow’s and Widower’s Benefits

You must be a disabled widow or widower over the age of 50.
Your spouse or former spouse must have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
You must have been married to your spouse at the time of death, OR
You must have been married to a divorced spouse for at least 10 years.
You must have a serious physical or mental disability.
Your disability must be one in the current listings of Adult Impairments and Child Impairments
Your disability must prevent you from earning a substantial income.
Your disability must be documented by your physician or physicians.
Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last more than 12 months, and your disability must have started within 7 years of your spouse’s death.
If you work, you may not earn more than a specified amount.

If You Qualify, You Should Apply

If you believe you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you should apply for these benefits. You are entitled to receive them if you meet the qualifications. Don’t hesitate to make an application. You can begin an application for any of these benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. For more information on the application process, visit: How do I apply for Social Security Benefits?

Greeman Toomey PLLC – A Social Security Disability Law Firm

If you apply for Social Security disability benefits and your application is denied, don’t be discouraged. Over 70% of initial applications are denied. That does not mean that you are not eligible for benefits. There are many reasons for an initial denial. At Greeman Toomey PLLC, we have helped thousands of clients receive the benefits to which they were entitled. If your initial application for benefits is denied, you have a limited time in which to appeal. Contact us right away to arrange for a free initial consultation about your case. We may be able to help you get the maximum benefits you deserve. You pay us nothing unless we succeed.