Ocala SSD Eligibility Attorney
For those who are disabled and unable to work as such, Social Security disability benefits may be incredibly important. However, while you may need benefits to support yourself, eligibility for SSD benefits is complicated and the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies millions of claims each year. At the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A., our Ocala SSD eligibility attorney can help you to file your claim for Social Security disability benefits and guide you through all eligibility requirements. Here’s what you should know–
Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration maintains two types of Social Security disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has its own eligibility requirements.
- SSDI benefits. When most people talk about Social Security disability benefits, they are talking about SSDI benefits. In order to qualify for these benefits, there are two major areas of eligibility in which an applicant must qualify.
- A person must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. The first eligibility requirement has to do with how long a person worked in jobs covered by Social Security and how many work credits they have earned as such. Typically, the amount of work credits that you need in order to receive SSDI benefits depends on the age at which you became disabled.
- You must have a qualifying disability. The second eligibility requirement that you must satisfy is that you must have a qualifying disability. You are disabled if you have a condition that prevents you from doing the same work that you did before the disability, your medical condition prevents you from being able to adjust to other work, and your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
- SSI benefits. There are also disability benefits available for those who have not worked and earned work credits over the course of their life. Anyone who is blind, disabled, or aged and who has limited income or resources may qualify for SSI benefits. Children, as well as adults, can receive SSI benefits, whereas SSDI benefits may only be paid based on an adult’s record. For children, the definition of disability for SSDI benefits is distinct from the definition of disability for an adult; for children, a condition must result in “marked and severe functional limitations,” and for an adult, it must prevent the ability to engage in gainful activity.
Get Help Navigating Social Security Disability Eligibility Requirements
Proving to the SSA that you have a qualifying disability, that you have enough earned work credits, or that you are of limited income and resources isn’t as easy as simply making the claim – you’ll need to submit evidence that supports your case. At the Law Offices of Shea A. Fugate, P.A., our Ocala SSD eligibility attorney can help. We’ll be responsible for building your claim and double-checking to make sure that all of the requirements are satisfied. To learn more about our services and how we can help, please call us today for your free consultation.
