When you are unable to work because of a health condition that is beyond your control, being unable to support yourself and your family can feel confusing and hopeless. Thankfully, there may be a way to help with your expenses, even temporarily. The United States federal government offers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to help families and individuals get through challenging times when someone cannot work due to a physical or mental issue.
At Thurswell Law, we could help you learn more about the conditions covered by SSDI in Michigan. If you qualify for benefits, our SSDI attorneys could help you gather all the necessary documentation for an application.
Some of the Physical and Mental Conditions That SSDI Covers
SSDI is a program that the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) administers to help families facing financial hardship when someone is unable to work due to disability. This means that to be eligible, you must meet several criteria.
First, you must have paid into the Social Security system at your job for a certain amount of time. Second, you must have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from working for 12 consecutive months or longer or that doctors expect to result in death. The SSA has a strict definition of what counts as a disability, but it includes the following:
- Cancer
- Musculoskeletal disorders such as back and knee damage
- Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injuries
- Immune system illnesses such as HIV
- Mental health issues such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Several more categories of ailments may qualify for SSDI benefits in Michigan, but most of them affect one or more of the major body systems.
However, the SSA only offers benefits for total disabilities. It does not provide for partial or short-term issues. Further, the condition must prevent you from doing basic work activities such as lifting, standing, or thinking. Oftentimes, the government agency will consider whether the medical condition prevents you from performing your previous job or even other jobs that are unrelated but manageable despite the condition.
How Do You Apply for Benefits?
If your medical impairment meets the criteria, the application process in Michigan for disability benefits can begin. The first step is to confirm if you have enough recent work credits in the SSA system.
If you pass this phase, the next step is to gather the necessary documents to support the application. These come primarily from the doctor or other medical provider stating that you are unable to work due to your medical condition. The packet also includes personal identification such as your Social Security number, recent tax forms, and proof of residency. Missing any of these can cause unnecessary delays, so our experienced lawyers could assist you in getting everything in order.
Contact Our Attorneys in Michigan About Conditions Covered by SSDI
If you believe that you have one of the conditions covered by SSDI in Michigan, we could inform you about applying for benefits. Our legal team could help you understand the process and prepare your application.
At Thurswell Law, we understand that not being able to provide for your family is difficult, and we are here to support you. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our lawyers. We could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.
