Qualifying for Social Security disability involves challenging legal requirements, but an experienced Social Security benefits lawyer could help.
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) provides benefits based on the recipient’s work history and addresses their inability to work as a result of a disability. If you are eligible for this coverage, it can fill an important financial need.
Qualifying for SS disability in Michigan is a legally challenging matter. Our experienced Social Security benefits attorneys at Thurswell Law have a commitment to skillfully advocating for your rights in pursuit of the benefits you deserve.
Overview of SSDI
SSDI is a federal program that provides benefits based on your work history. If you paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled to the degree that seriously limits your ability to work in Michigan, you may qualify for SS disability benefits.
The Basic Requirements
The two primary requirements for SSDI coverage are having worked long enough to qualify and having a disability that meets the program’s requirements. There are, however, exceptions to the rules. These include adult children of recipients who have not worked as a result of a disability incurred prior to age 22, minor children of recipients, and spouses or ex-spouses of recipients.
Understanding the Work Requirement
A range of variables determines whether an applicant meets the work requirements for SSDI benefits. These requirements include working long enough and recently enough. Work credits are generally based on total annual income or on annual self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year, and your age when you became disabled is the basis for the total number of credits required.
Usually, the 20/40 rule applies. This means that you need at least 40 total work credits, and you must have earned at least 20 of them in the 10 years that directly preceded your disability. However, those who are younger may qualify for SSDI benefits with fewer work credits.
Defining Disability
When it comes to SSDI, only total disability qualifies, which means that a partial or short-term disability will not support benefits. Qualifying disabilities fall into the following categories:
- Your health condition has lasted or is expected to last at least a full year or to become fatal
- You cannot work at the required level of a substantial gainful activity
- Your medical condition interferes with your ability to do your former job or to adjust to other work
The requirements for SSDI benefits are complex, which is why we advise working closely with our knowledgeable lawyers.
How Can Skilled Legal Counsel Help?
Any misstep in the application process for SSDI benefits may slow things down considerably or could limit your eligibility in Michigan. Our dedicated Social Security benefits attorneys could help in all the following critical ways:
- Ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and supported by evidence
- Skillfully pursuing the benefits to which you are eligible
- Successfully managing the Social Security Administration (SSA) process, including requirements related to deadlines and appeals
- Preparing you for and representing you at hearings
- Clearly communicating with the SSA on your behalf
- Affording you a distinct strategic advantage based on our experience and legal insight
Contact Our Michigan Lawyers About Qualifying for Social Security Disability
While the process of qualifying for SS disability in Michigan is challenging, we have an impressive range of experience that goes back to 1968, and we are ready to support you. Our Social Security benefits attorneys at Thurswell Law could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case. Contact us to learn more.
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