What You Should Know Before Filing a Social Security Disability Claim

Are you entitled to receive life-changing government benefits?

You’re probably aware of some popular government programs that provide much-needed assistance for those who need help paying for essential items and services. If you’re a working-age individual and find yourself unable to engage in productive employment on a long-term basis, there’s a little-known but increasingly popular program that could provide you with life-changing benefits and support: Social Security Disability (SSD). However, it’s not a cinch to qualify. Before you apply, you’ll need to make sure you have a convincing case.

General Information About Filing a Social Security Disability Claim

According to the Social Security Administration, SSD benefits typically go out to individuals who are unable to work for a year or longer due to a disability. Benefits are disbursed as monthly cash payments. Although they typically continue without interruption until the recipient is deemed able to return to work, the Social Security Administration provides a number of “work incentives” that may gently nudge recipients back into the labor force or provide material assistance for those trying to find a suitable job. If you’re approaching retirement age, you should be aware that SSD benefits typically convert to standard Social Security retirement benefits upon crossing this threshold.

Have You Worked Long Enough?

One of the major considerations for anyone who wishes to apply for SSD is his or her previous work history. The Social Security Administration uses “work credits” to measure past work. In 2015, one work credit is equal to $1,220 in earnings. Although the exact number of credits required to qualify for SSD varies by age and other factors, you generally need to have earned at least 40 credits over the course of your career and at least 20 credits in the 10 years prior to the date on which you became disabled.

You must also be able to prove that your physical condition renders you unable to do the work that you performed in your most recent job and that you also can’t perform reasonable “replacement” work.

Common Conditions That May Earn SSD

Conditions that automatically qualify you for SSD or entitle you to expedited claims processing may include:

• ALS
  Pancreatic cancer
  Chronic heart failure
  Peripheral arterial disease
  Schizophrenia and other personality disorders
  Certain forms of substance addiction

Work With a Trusted Disability Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA

Are you thinking about filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits? You shouldn’t jump into the fray without a trusted partner. Before you begin your case, we invite you to visit our website or contact us online to learn more about how to maximize your chances for success and secure the benefits to which you’re entitled.