What Is Social Security Disability?
The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits through the Social Security disability insurance program. Under this program, Social Security pays benefits to people who are unable to work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least a year, or result in death.
While some programs such as workers’ compensation provide benefits to people with a partial disability or a short-term disability, Social Security does not. Also, certain family members of disabled workers may be entitled to receive money from Social Security.
What are the requirements for SSD?
To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must have worked long at enough at jobs that are covered by Social Security, which is 5 of the last 10 years. If you have met this requirement, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of a disability. Your disability must be so severe, that you are unable to engage in any meaningful work.
You are considered “disabled” under Social Security’s rules if:
- You’re unable to do the work you did before.
- The SSA decides that you are not able to adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
- Your disability will last at least a year or result in death.
If your medical condition is severe enough that it is interfering with basic work-related activities, then your claim may be considered. If it does not, then the SSA will not consider you disabled.
If you cannot perform your usual job, the SSA will see if you are able to adjust to other work. If you are physically incapable of adjusting to other work, you may be entitled to benefits.
If you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you will automatically be qualified for Medicare coverage after two years of receiving disability benefits, regardless of your age. Medicare will help you with your healthcare costs.
Contact Fendon Law, P.C.
To learn more about SSD benefits, call Fendon Law Firm, P.C. to set up a free consultation with one of our Phoenix Social Security Disability attorneys. We can be reached at (602) 842-6782 – call today!
