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What is the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disabled?”
In order to be considered permanently disabled and therefore eligible for Social Security Disability benefit payments, applicants must meet the Administration’s strict disability requirements, summarized as follows:
- Social Security Disability benefit recipients must be physically or mentally limited from performing the work they did prior to disability.
- The SSA must determine that the disability prevents the applicant from performing other types of work based on a debilitating medical condition.
- The disabling condition must be expected to last for a minimum of one year or result in death.
To learn about the various types of Social Security benefits available to injured Americans, please contact our lawyers for a personalized disability analysis.
Who makes the decision on whether an applicant gets approved or denied?
Applications for Social Security Disability Insurance benefit claims are evaluated by the Disability Determination Service (DDS), a group within the Social Security Administration that focuses solely on approving or denying applications. Members of the DDS review each applicant’s medical information, financial status, and work history in an effort to decide whether or not they meet the requirements for approval. They will also communicate with physicians and disability specialists to assess how the applicant’s injuries affect their ability to perform work-related duties. If you are denied, hiring an attorney can be very helpful for getting you through the Social Security Disability claims process.
Who is able to apply for SSDI benefits?
According to the requirements listed on the Social Security Administration website (www.ssa.gov), you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your answers to these five determining questions are satisfactory.
- Are you working?
- Is your condition “severe”?
- Is your condition found on the list of disabling conditions?
- Can you do the work you did previously?
- Can you do any other type of work?
The Social Security Disability benefit lawyers at Chávez Law Group can help you evaluate your SSDI eligibility during a free personal consultation.
Can I get SSDI benefits for partial disability?
No, Social Security Disability benefits are only available for permanent disability. Our national law firm can provide you with in-depth information on what constitutes a permanent disability and your options for benefits.
How long do I have to wait for my benefits?
On average, applicants can expect to wait up to five months for the Social Security Administration to review their claim, although it can be longer depending on their caseload. For applicants who are approved, benefits usually start a minimum of six months from the time the disabling condition began. Applicants who receive a denial letter must start the appeals process in order to try again. Hiring an attorney can help you improve your chances of an approval, and get your benefits coming in sooner.
If you have questions about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits, Chávez Law Group has the answers you’re looking for. Please contact our team right away for help with your benefit claim.