Social Security Disability Eligibility

Social security disability eligibility is based upon the assessed severity of an injury, illness, or condition and the impact that it has on an individual’s ability to work. The basic rule is that the condition must result in the claimant being unable to work enough to earn nine hundred dollars a month or in order to perform substantial gainful activity, or SGA as it is known in the claims process. Also, it is important to recognize that the nine hundred dollars that is stated as the limit on earnings is the amount earned before taxes.

Social security disability eligibility is dependent on the assessment that determines how severely the condition is limiting the person's ability to work. For example, a severe injury that limits movement completely in the lower half would leave a person unable to work or perform substantial gainful activity. On the other hand, a broken finger would leave many people able to perform their jobs, albeit with a slight degree of difficulty. This differential is the criteria upon which eligibility is often judged.

SSD Claims - How Long Do You Expect To Be Disabled?

Social security disability eligibility is also associated with the length of the injury or condition. That is, it depends on how long the stated injury, illness, or disability will limit the claimant from working. The applicant must either have not worked for twelve successive months due to the stated condition, or, they must be judged that their condition will prevent them from working until a period of twelve months has passed. This is why one of the most essential things in a social security disability eligibility appeal is the careful documentation of all medical evidence. Proving that a disability will prevent a worker from being able to earn any income for a period of twelve months or more requires very careful documentation by qualified medical professionals in order to make a claim successful. This is also why the retention of a qualified lawyer can be of great assistance to an applicant. Often, if a person makes an appeal while self representing they will not realize the exact nature of the evidence that needs to be supplied in order to make their case successful. A social security lawyer will understand and be able to assist them in the gaining of this.

Education & Work History In Social Security Disability Claims

Social security disability eligibility means that a person is unable to work, not just at their current or former job, but also at any other job within their abilities. This is assessed within their abilities and varies from person to person. For example, a person with no education would not be expected to work in an office environment requiring post secondary education. If they were hurt to a point where they could not work in manual labor, (if that was the field they were working in and their skill set) then they would not be judged ineligible because they could sit at a desk since they are not qualified to do that kind of work. However, if a person who did heavy manual labor was hurt but was deemed still fit enough to perform light manual labor, they might be required to work in that field as it is within their capabilities.

Let Us Help

Do not be discouraged if your claim has been denied. Choose a law firm that handles Social Security Disability appeals. Call or email the Ogletree Abbott Law Firm. We are Social Security Disability lawyers who represent working men and women who have been wrongfully denied benefits. We want for you to have a fair hearing with competent legal representation. Call us today at 1-(800)- 779-4950. Or, if you prefer, email us at Info@Ogletreeabbott.com and we will contact you right away. Let us help you today.