Social Security Qualifications & Benefits

The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of disability:

• You must be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition(s)
• Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last at least one year, or expected to result in death.
• Your disability or injury must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any type of work, not just the type of work you were performing previous to your disability or injury.
• You cannot get Social Security disability benefits solely because your doctor says you are disabled.
• Even if you are getting disability payments from a job or another agency, you are not automatically qualified for Social Security disability benefits.

When you apply for benefits, the Social Security Administration collects medical and other information and makes a decision about whether or not you meet their definition of disability.

If the Social Security Administration decides that you are disabled, there are two types of benefits that you may qualify for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is designed to provide income to people who are unable to work because of a disability and continues until their condition improves. This is for insured workers, their disabled surviving spouses, and children of disabled, retired, or deceased workers.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is a needs-based program to help meet the costs of basic needs for those with little or no income and resources.

We understand that you are going through a difficult time and that you may have many questions about qualifications and benefits. Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd. is here to help. Contact us today for additional information or a free case evaluation.