The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits available to citizens who are currently disabled and unable to work due to an impairment caused by illness or injury.
Sadly, the SSA denies the majority of claims for SSDI benefits—including 60% of initial claims—and 85% of appeals. To make matters worse, an appeal can take months or even years.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI, an applicant’s condition must be expected to last for more than one year or to result in their death. An applicant must have worked long enough and paid enough in Social Security taxes to accumulate the appropriate number of work credits. The applicant must also:
- Earn less than $1,220 each month
- Suffer from a qualifying disability
- Be unable to perform gainful work
Evaluating SSDI Claims
The U.S. Census Bureau indicates more than 37 million Americans, some 12% of the overall population, are currently classified as disabled. When you apply for SSDI benefits, the SSA follows a five-step process to evaluate each application. The evaluation asks:
- Are You Working?
- Is Your Condition Severe?
- Is Your Condition Listed on The SSA’s List of Impairments?
- Can You Do Work You Did Before?
- Can You Do Other Work?
The SSA Blue Book is a guide which lists qualifying medical conditions. The guide is broken down by effects on the body. It covers musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and immune system disorders. Additional sections cover hematological, digestive tract, and kidney diseases—as well as cancer. Other potentially qualifying conditions such as sensory or speech issues, mental disorders, and skin disorders are included. Further details are available here.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been denied Social Security Disability Benefits to which you are rightfully entitled, contact the experienced Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys at Freeburn Law for help at 717-777-7777.
Freeburn Law has attorneys on-staff who are ready to represent you in your disability claim. Let us fight to secure the maximum compensation and benefits you deserve.
When you call, you’ll speak with a leading Harrisburg Social Security Disability lawyer for FREE. Freeburn Law will fight hard to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Just call the 7’s for help at 717-777-7777 or 570-777-7777. There is no attorney’s fee due up front—and we only get paid after you do.
Freeburn Law, Just Call the 7’s—Because the Right Law Firm Makes a Real Difference.
