Social Security Disability (SSD)
If you are disabled and you have worked during the past 10 years, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI). Social Security Disability benefits are funded by social security taxes. To be eligible, you must be disabled and you must have earned the required number of Social Security credits when you worked.
If you have applied for social security disability benefits but have received a letter of denial, you can ask for reconsideration of the decision; however, it is most likely that you will need to file an appeal of the decision and proceed to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Although it is not necessary for you to be represented at this level, Social Security requirements and procedures are complex and without knowledge of the system and its requirements, it is a mistake not to be represented by counsel.
Our firm is experienced in handling Social Security Disability Claims and we do not take a fee unless and until you are awarded benefits.
If you suffer from a disability and have been denied Social Security Disability Benefits, contact us today for your free consultation.
For additional information, visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov
WHAT DOES "DISABLED" MEAN FOR AN ADULT?
An individual age 18 and older is "disabled" if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:
- results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and
- can be expected to result in death; or
- has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
WHAT DOES "DISABLED" MEAN FOR A CHILD?
An individual under age 18 is "disabled" if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which:
- results in marked and severe functional limitations; and
- can be expected to result in death; or
- has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
The term substantial gainful activity describes a level of work activity that is both substantial and gainful. Substantial work activity involves performance of significant physical or mental duties, or a combination of both, which are productive in nature. For activity to be substantial it need not necessarily be performed on a full-time basis; work activity performed on a part-time basis may also be substantial.
Gainful activity is work performed for pay or profit; or work of a nature generally performed for pay or profit, whether or not a profit is realized.
For SSI purposes, the substantial gainful activity provision does not apply to blind individuals.
Visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10072.html for additional information regarding social security credits.