What is SSDI?
Social security disability insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program run by the federal government. It is funded through paycheck deductions, and the purpose of SSDI is to provide financial assistance for people who have worked and are now unable to do so because of a disability. SSDI is specifically intended to help people who are expected to be disabled for a minimum of 12 months. Individuals who suffer from a short-term disability are ineligible for SSDI, but assistance may be available through short-term disability benefits or workers’ compensation.
Social Security Disability in Mechanicsburg
Disabled individuals in Mechanicsburg who are unable to work due to symptoms and complications of their condition may be eligible for social security disability if they worked in the past. Qualifying for SSDI depends on the work history of the applicant, and the minimum number of hours that must be worked before applying for SSDI depends on the age of the applicant. For example, a person who is age 28 or under must have worked at least one and a half years. Credits are earned according to how much a person works, and a minimum number of credits must be accrued before a person is eligible for SSDI benefits.
The work history of the individual applying for benefits must also be recent. While younger individuals may not have to accrue as many working years before qualifying, the general rule is that applicants must have worked a minimum of five out of the 10 years leading up to their application for benefits.
Dependents of a disabled individual may also be eligible to receive benefits if the disabled person was the main income earner in the household prior to developing a disabling condition. Spouses are eligible if they are over the age of 62 or are considered to be the primary caretaker for a child under the age of 18.
The most difficult part of applying for benefits in Mechanicsburg is proving that a disability is severe enough to make it impossible for the applicant to work. Medical records are used as evidence, so it is important to seek medical attention when symptoms are felt. Scheduling appointments on a regular basis can help to prove that a disability exists, and it is essential to have the condition diagnosed by a licensed medical provider.
Suffering from a disability does not automatically qualify a person for benefits. The complications and symptoms associated with the disability must be severe enough to make it impossible for the applicant to work in any position for which he or she is qualified. The Social Security Administration (SSA) expects applicants to be unable to perform job tasks associated with both their current and past positions, and academic history will be taken into consideration to determine whether the tasks associated with another position would be reasonable for the individual to complete.
Getting Help from an Attorney
Applying for SSDI benefits is a long process that requires an individual to file paperwork and gather medical evidence that a disability exists. The process can be confusing for people who do not have a legal background in SSDI, and it is very common for first-time applications to be denied due to errors made by the applicant. While applicants are given the opportunity to appeal a denial, it is essential to consult with a legal professional to ensure that paperwork is properly filed and medical records are sent to prove that a disability exists. An experienced SSDI attorney can help applicants who are applying for the first time or appealing a denial. The first step to getting much-needed SSDI benefits is to schedule a consultation with a lawyer.
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