Most people hope that they never need disability benefits. After all, disability benefits are only available to those who cannot work due to severe health challenges. Some people have private disability insurance, but many workers do not.
Someone who is unable to work due to health challenges may need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they do not have private insurance. People often feel anxious about seeking out SSDI benefits and may question whether they actually qualify. Those who meet the three standards outlined below are the most likely to prevail when applying for SSDI benefits.
A completely disabling medical condition
Pain that limits someone’s work function may not technically meet the standard of a disabling medical condition. With rare exceptions, the Social Security Administration (SSA) generally only approves disability benefits for those who cannot work at all. Applicants generally require extensive medical documentation affirming not just their diagnosis but also the impact that their injury has on their functional abilities.
Health challenges that last a significant time
It is possible for someone to have a condition that completely disables them while still remaining ineligible for SSDI benefits. The SSA generally requires evidence that the condition and applicant has should last a year or longer. Terminal illnesses, progressive conditions and other permanent medical challenges may qualify someone for benefits. Short-term illnesses and injuries like broken bones or even cancer may not.
Sufficient work history
Workers make contributions to Social Security every time they receive a paycheck. They need to have made adequate contributions throughout their careers and in their recent employment history to qualify for SSDI benefits. Workers can typically accrue up to four credits toward benefits each year. An applicant likely needs to have 40 overall credits and at least 20 credits from within the last 10 years to qualify.
Those who feel uncertain about their eligibility may want to discuss their medical challenges at length with someone familiar with SSDI benefits. Learning more about the SSA standards for SSDI benefits can help those worried about their finances due to medical issues. Those who understand the rules may feel more confident about the decision to apply and, possibly, the need to appeal an unfavorable decision.