What to Know About Qualifying for Social Security Disability
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), about three in ten workers age 20 will become disabled before they are ready to retire. With the likelihood that you may become unable to work before your planned retirement, it is important to understand how to qualify for Social Security disability insurance benefits.
Qualifying for Social Security disability
According to Chicago Social Security disability lawyers, Social Security disability benefits are available only for workers who have worked for a certain amount of time in qualifying jobs and paid Social Security taxes. In addition, workers must suffer from a disability as defined by the SSA. To qualify, a disability must do the following:
- Prevent you from doing the work you did before
- Prevent you from adjusting to other work
- Last, or be expected to last, for at least one year or result in death
Temporary or partial disabilities do not qualify. However, whether a disability qualifies you for benefits can be disputed. It may depend on a doctor's diagnosis or even how your disability is presented to the SSA. To help ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled, it is important to consult with knowledgeable and experienced Chicago disability lawyers.
How long do Social Security disability benefits last?
Once you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, they usually continue until you are able to work regularly once more. In addition, certain work incentives may be available, depending on your situation, which provide continued benefits and health care coverage while you are transitioning back to work. If you are receiving disability benefits when you reach retirement age, those benefits convert to retirement benefits.
Chicago Social Security disability attorneys who are well versed in disability and benefits laws can guide you through any step of the complex application process to make sure you receive your much needed benefits. If your claim for benefits is denied, experienced attorneys can help you appeal the denial to the SSA or the courts, as needed. Contact Daley, DeBofsky & Bryant today for help with your Social Security disability claim today. We work tirelessly for you.
Copyright© 2012 LexisNexis. All rights reserved.