The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of one year or more.
The Social Security Administration administers two benefit plans for disabled Americans: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD). If you are working and become disabled, you need to know if you qualify to receive SSD benefits under Cincinnati social security law.
Unlike SSI, Social Security Disability was designed as a disability insurance plan for American workers. Payroll taxes fund your participation in SSD. Somewhat like other types of insurance, SSD covers you because you pay premiums in the form of payroll taxes.
The Most Common Types of Disabilities
- Musculoskeletal system and connective problems including: Arthritis. Back pain. …
- Mental disorders including: Mood disorders. Schizophrenia. …
- Cardiovascular conditions and circulatory disorders. Angina. Hypertension. …
- Cancer.
- Nervous system and sense organs conditions. Parkinson’s diseases.
Eligibility for SSD hinges on being disabled as defined by the SSA and having sufficient recent time in the workforce to fund your participation in the program. Consider these eligibility requirements more closely:
- Unlike state workers compensation programs, the Social Security Administration defines disability as a condition that prohibits you from working at your former job, has left you unable to adapt to different work, is expected to last a year or more or will result in your death. There are no payments for partial or temporary disability.
- Work credits are earned based on your wages, with four work credits earned per year. Eligibility is determined by your age and time spent paying into SSD. For older workers, the work credit requirement is approximately 40 credits with 20 earned in the ten years leading up to the claim for disability.
Can your doctor recommend putting you on disability?
As part of the SSA’s requirements for SSDI or SSI you must be diagnosed with a medical condition, or “impairment” by a licensed doctor or psychologist. In addition, to be evaluated for disability, this impairment must have more than a slight effect on your ability to perform work.
If you think you might be filing for SSD, your best option is to speak with experienced legal counsel first. Initially, more than 50 percent of SSD applications are denied. Once you have been denied, an appeal process may delay your benefits for years. Ensuring your application is filled out correctly when initially filed can speed your access to needed benefits.
Can you get SSDI If you are already getting SSI?
Another benefit of getting SSDI and SSI is that you could be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid together. SSI receipts in most states are eligible for Medicaid as soon as they are for SSI. SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare two years after their disability onset date.
When you have questions about SSD or other SSI, we provide disability application advice based on legal skill and honed experience. Your initial consultation with our social security attorneys is free.