4 Requirements to Receive Social Security Disability Benefits
Qualifying to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits requires completing an array of complex legal paperwork and navigating an application and appeals process that seems designed to discourage applicants. Unfortunately, the need of the applicant alone may not qualify an applicant who fails to jump through all the hoops. Answering four basic questions when you first consider requesting federal long-term disability benefits will help you recognize if entering the SSDI system is worth your time and effort.
Understand that you have legal rights to consult and work with an experienced and caring Social Security disability lawyer in Columbus, Ohio at each step of the SSDI process. You can even schedule a consultation with a disability attorney in Columbus, Ohio to make sure you have clear and convincing answers to the four questions outlined here.
Am I a U.S. citizen and an adult?
With only a few exceptions, the person who submits the SSDI application must be older than 18 and have full United States citizenship. Speaking with a disability lawyer in Columbus, Ohio, is a quick way to learn if you qualify for one of the exceptions to these most basic SSDI eligibility rules.
Do I qualify for Social Security retirement benefits?
Only people who have paid into the Social Security program can draw disability benefits. The easiest way to check whether you participate in Social Security is to check your pay stub for deductions labeled as “Social Security,” “O.A.S.D.I.,” or “F.I.C.A.” These are various terms to indicate that you are paying into federal retirement, disability, and elderly/disabled medical care programs.
Parents who participate in Social Security can qualify their dependent children with long-term disabilities for SSDI benefits.
If you are not enrolled in and contributing toward Social Security because you work for a state or local government, you can speak with a Columbus, Ohio Social Security disability attorney to explore your options regarding the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System or a similar program.
Am I currently receiving Social Security benefits?
This exclusion generally does not apply to a parent who applies for SSDI benefits for more than one disabled dependent child. In all other instances, receiving retirement, disability, or supplement income benefits from Social Security makes it impossible to qualify for a new award of benefits.
Do I suffer from a long-term disability that renders me unable to work?
SSDI benefits will only be awarded to a person who suffers from a physical or mental condition that has persisted for at least 12 months or which will prove fatal. The condition must also leave you unable to perform all or most of the basic tasks related to a job you are qualified to hold. A Social Security disability lawyer will be able to help you check whether the SSDI program recognizes your condition as disabling.
Columbus, Ohio-based disability attorneys with The Calig Law Firm welcome opportunities to help people get the SSDI benefits they need to live their best lives. Call us at (614) 252-2300) to schedule a consultation or connect with us by filling out this online contact form.
