How Does Social Security Disability Insurance Work?

Social Security benefits are available to people with disabilities. This disability insurance, sometimes referred to as SSDI or SSD, pays you benefits every month if you are disabled and unable to work before the age of retirement.

The qualification process can be extensive. The social security lawyers Towson Maryland at Gordon Wolf & Carney know your rights and are skilled in working through that qualification process. One of the ways you qualify is by paying Social Security or FICA taxes for a set number of years grants you work credits.

What Are Work Credits

• Work credits are points earned for each year you work.

• It is possible to earn as many as four work credits per year.

• The number of work credits needed to qualify for SSDI is determined by your age at the time you become disabled.

What Determines Medical Eligibility?

• Your medical condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability.

• Only those with long-term, severe, or total disability qualify for SSDI benefits.

• This means that the medical condition interferes with performing basic work-related duties.

Disability Benefits Approval Process

• You will receive benefits after five additional months of being deemed disabled.

• The most likely outcome is that you would not be approved for nearly six months to one year.

• At least one appeal is likely, as well.

Disability Benefits Denial

• The initial application for SSDI is often denied.

• If your application is denied you have the option to appeal by submitting a Request For Reconsideration.

• If denied again, you may appeal and request a hearing.

• SSA will then assign your case to be heard by their Administrative Law Judge.

The law office of Gordon Wolf & Carney is here to help. Our social security lawyers Towson Maryland work hard to get you the results you deserve.