DO YOU QUALIFY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Here are basic guidelines that may give you an idea if you can qualify?

• Are you now off work because of a severe impairment?  (If still working at substantial gainful activity, you will not be approved).*
•  Have you been unable to work for at least 12 consecutive months, or do you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months?  (Short term disability is not covered by SSDI).
•  Have you worked at least 5 years out of the most recent 10-year period?  Most people need at least 40 quarters of covered work to be eligible.  Exceptions apply to very young workers who aren't old enough to meet this rule.
•  Is there objective medical evidence of a severe physical and/or mental impairment?  In other words, can we get medical records from doctors, hospitals or other healthcare providers to document your medical condition(s)?  Objective evidence is a must for a successful claim. 

If you answered YES to all these questions, you may have a solid disability claim.  Beware that up to 80 percent of claims are initially denied and require an appeal to win.  Don't give up if you get denied.  Many of the denials are actually wrong and can be overturned on appeal. We tell our clients to expect an appeal:  it's part of the process, the rule, not the exception.
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* In 2018, substantial gainful activity refers to work in which a person earns at least $1,180 per month before tax.  This amount changes slightly from year to year. It refers only to income derived from work, including self-employment income.