If you have suffered a medical condition that makes working impossible, you might be entitled to benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This financial support could make up for the sudden loss of your income due to your health.
When you are considering a claim, a seasoned disability attorney might be able to guide you through the process. Without support, the system can be overwhelming; fortunately, you never have to navigate it alone. A Pace social security disability lawyer at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon could advise you of your options during an initial consultation.
Your ability to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits depends on two primary factors: your health and work history. Only individuals in Pace who have spent enough time in the workforce in jobs covered by Social Security are entitled to benefits. Additionally, this program is exclusively for those who have a disability that makes them unable to earn a living.
This program is paid for by payroll tax receipts. Countless individuals give part of their paycheck each week to Social Security, and these benefits are limited to those people when they are not healthy enough to work.
The SSA uses a system of work credits to determine who is eligible for full or partial benefits. You can earn up to four work credits per year with a 40-hour week, and after approximately 10 years, full benefits are available.
The SSA may consider many different health conditions as a disability. In general, you will only be eligible for benefits if you are dealing with a health issue that permanently limits your ability to maintain employment. There is no coverage for short-term or partial disability.
Determining whether or not you are living with a qualifying disability can be straightforward in some cases. The federal government supplies a list of severe health issues—known as the Bluebook—that always qualify. Some examples include liver disease, cystic fibrosis, and most types of cancer. Conditions that are not listed still qualify if they are severe—those that are likely to last at least a year or result in death—and prevent you from working.
A Pace social security disability attorney could help you qualify for monetary benefits to replace lost wages. The amount of these payments is not tied to the severity of your condition, so it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible.
The maximum payout differs each year based, given that it is adjusted for inflation. Additionally, benefits are determined by the number of work credits an applicant has obtained in the last 10 years. Anyone with 40 credits will receive the maximum payment, while reduced amounts are available for qualified applicants with fewer than 40 credits.
In some situations, benefits are also available to the surviving spouses of disabled workers. These individuals must be between 50 and 60 and have a disability that would otherwise qualify them for Social Security Disability Benefits. In this scenario, they could be eligible based on their deceased spouse’s work history instead of their own.
If you have questions about benefits, now is the time to seek answers. Your choice of attorney could play a pivotal role in learning about your rights and getting the most from a claim. Call a Pace social security disability lawyer today at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon to learn more.