If you are unable to continue working because of a serious medical condition, you may look at job retraining as an option. But what happens if you need financial support while trying to learn new skills? The rules for eligibility for disability during job retraining in Southfield are complex. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict standards for who qualifies for benefits.
The SSA does not automatically deny claims because someone is retraining. However, it closely examines whether you can still perform substantial work. Our SSDI attorneys at Thurswell Law understand these rules. We can help you determine whether you are eligible for disability during retraining.
How the SSA Reviews Disability During Retraining
Disability benefits are awarded to people who cannot engage in substantial gainful activity. If you are attending classes or training, the SSA may question whether you are capable of working. However, that does not always indicate that your claim will be denied.
The SSA will look at:
- The type of program you are in
- The number of hours you attend
- Whether training matches your prior work
- If your medical condition affects your ability to finish the program
Attending school or training part-time is not the same as working full-time. A Southfield disability lawyer could explain how your medical limitations remain even while you attempt job retraining.
Can You Qualify for Disability Benefits While Retraining?
You may still qualify for benefits if your medical condition prevents you from keeping steady employment, even while you are enrolled in a retraining program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not assume that attending classes means you can hold a full-time job. The agency looks at how your condition affects your ability to learn, attend regularly, and complete the program.
For example, chronic pain or mental health symptoms may cause you to miss class, leave early, or struggle with assignments. If this happens, the SSA may decide retraining does not prove you are employable. It is important to show how your condition limits you, despite your effort to retrain.
A strong claim often includes:
- Detailed medical records showing ongoing treatment
- Statements from doctors about work-related limits
- Records of missed classes, special accommodations, or tutoring
- Proof that retraining does not overcome physical or mental barriers
Each case depends on the evidence. Some people can finish training but still cannot work full-time. Others cannot complete the program at all. Our lawyers at Thurswell Law know how to connect medical and vocational evidence so that the SSA understands job retraining is not the same as returning to the workforce, keeping you eligible for benefits in Southfield.
What if the SSA Denies Your Claim When They See You Are Retraining?
Denials are common, especially when retraining creates the appearance that you are able to work. If SSA denies your claim because they believe you can work since you are retraining, you can still appeal. An appeal involves strict deadlines. It may require hearings before an administrative judge.
At this stage, having legal support is critical. A Thurswell Law attorney can question vocational experts, provide evidence of your limitations, and show why training does not make you employable. Many applicants succeed on appeal once their case is properly documented.
Call a Southfield SSD Lawyer About Eligibility During Retraining
The SSA reviews each case individually, and retraining does not bar you automatically from receiving benefits. With decades of experience, our attorneys at Thurswell Law know that experience gets results. If you want answers about eligibility for disability during job retraining in Southfield, call Thurswell Law. Speaking with one of our lawyers may help you protect your claim and show that you are still eligible for benefits during retraining.
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