Know Your Rights: Social Security Disability

People are generally aware of the Social Security benefits available upon the specified age of retirement. However, many don't realize that there is a separate type of insurance, Social Security Disability, that has been made available to individuals at any age. This type of insurance is designed to ensure an individual benefits if they are unable to work due to a medical condition or injury.

How do I qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?
In order to be qualified for Social Security Disability, an individual must typically meet certain standards regarding two criteria: the amount you have worked in the past and the nature of your disability.

In general, you need to have worked fairly regularly before you became disabled. Being out of a job for a significant and consecutive amount of years may be reason enough for denial of benefits.

As for the nature of your disability, any medical condition that prevents you from working could make you eligible for benefits. One must note, however, that the test for eligibility is not whether you can go back to a job you’ve lost or whether you’ve been able to find a job recently. The test is whether you are physically and emotionally CAPABLE of doing a job that is generally available in the everyday work place.

When can I file for Social Security Disability Insurance?
Since a medical condition or injury can disrupt your pattern of working (which can place devastating financial burdens on the suffering individual) it is okay to file for benefits immediately upon becoming disabled.

Although there is no guarantee of knowing for certain whether your condition will be judged as eligible for benefits, it can only help your case to file as soon as possible. Even if your condition is severe enough to make you eligible, it often takes a while for your claim to be processed and benefits sent out.

What if I am denied benefits?
It is fairly common for initial claims for Social Security Disability benefits to be denied. However, many individuals have found that their claim can be approved by appealing their case at a higher level. In this case, it may be helpful to hire an attorney knowledgeable in employment and Social Security law in order to receive more insight and representation for your condition.

To learn more about Social Security Disability or how our firm may be of assistance in fighting to get you benefits, please visit http://www.rueziffra.com/ or call 888.246.8613.