SSI & SSDI Benefits Qualification Lawyers in California Handling Your Benefits With Care
It can be difficult to deal with a disability, especially if you are not sure if you qualify for benefits. The experienced attorneys at Roeschke Law can help you determine if you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. We will work with you to gather the necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the benefits you need.
While the qualifications to receive SSI & SSDI benefits can potentially keep people from getting the benefits they need, we can work hard to help you qualify and file for benefits. Call us today at (310) 906-2556 to learn more about your options.
What are the Work Credit Requirements for SSI & SSDI?
To qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits, you must have worked a certain number of years. You will receive work credits that are based on your earnings. The number of work credits you need to qualify for benefits will depend on your age and the date you became disabled.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will generally need 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last ten years ending with the year you became disabled.
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will need 40 work credits, with at least half earned in the ten years immediately before you became disabled. If you are younger than 24, you may qualify with fewer credits.
What are the Qualifying Disabilities for SSI & SSDI?
To receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has a specific definition of disability. To be considered disabled, you must be unable to do work that you did before and the SSA must determine that your medical condition is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
The SSA will consider your age, education, past work experience, and any other skills you may have in order to determine if you can do other types of work. If the SSA determines that you cannot do other types of work, then you will be considered disabled.
There are certain disabilities that automatically qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits. These disabilities are known as “compassionate allowances” and include conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and certain types of cancer.
What Medical Conditions Qualify You for Social Security Disability?
The first thing to check to see if your medical condition qualifies for Social Security Disability is the SSA Blue Book. The Blue Book contains a “Listing of Medical Impairments” that automatically qualify a person, when other conditions are met, for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Listed qualifying conditions include:
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Respiratory illnesses
- Neurological disorders
- Blood disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Mental disorders
Why Would a Disability Claim Be Denied?
There are many reasons why a disability claim can be denied. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Not meeting the SSA’s definition of “disability”
- Earning too much money to qualify
- Failing to provide enough medical evidence
- Lack of recent treatment
- Quitting a job or not looking for work
- Drug or alcohol abuse
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be long and complicated, but it’s worth it if you’re finally approved for benefits. Our law firm can work tirelessly to assess your specific situation, address your potential qualifications, and help you file for SSI or SSDI disability benefits.
How Does The SSI and SSDI Application Process Work?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine whether an individual is eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits. This process is known as the sequential evaluation process.
The first step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant has worked long enough to be insured for Social Security purposes. If the answer is no, then the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.
If the answer to the first question is yes, then the second step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant has a “severe” disability. A “severe” disability is defined as one that prevents an individual from engaging in any “substantial gainful activity.” If an applicant is not found to have a severe disability, then he or she is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.
If an applicant is found to have a severe disability, the third step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant’s disability meets or equals the severity of a listed impairment. The SSA has a “Listing of Impairments” that outlines what impairments qualify an individual for Social Security disability benefits. If an applicant’s impairment is not on the list, or if it is less severe than a listed impairment, then the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.
If an applicant’s impairment does meet or equal the severity of a listed impairment, then the fourth step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant can perform his or her past relevant work. If the answer is yes, then the applicant is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.
If an applicant cannot perform his or her past relevant work, then the fifth and final step in the sequential evaluation process is to determine whether the applicant can perform any other type of work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. If the answer is no, then the applicant is considered disabled and is eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits. If the answer is yes, then the applicant is not considered disabled and is not eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits.
The SSDI program and the Social Security system can be hard to navigate for California residents. However, if you have paid social security taxes and meet the various requirements and qualifications, you can receive benefits for your permanent disability through SSDI and SSI. A lawyer with experience handling SSI & SSDI benefits qualifications in California can make a difference for you. Call (310) 906-2556 to reach Roeschke Law, LLC today and get started.
