Social Security Disability Insurance Attorneys

There are several different types of benefits offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) - the federal agency that oversees the country’s social security program. A Social Security Disability Attorney should be consulted. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides income to people who are unable to work because of a disability.

Unlike its counterpart, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is not a welfare program, but a federal insurance program for people who are unable to work due to a disability.

Social Security Disability Insurance is sometimes referred to as Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) and Title II benefits (a reference to the governing section for SSDI in the Social Security Act). “SSDI,” “DIB” and “Title II benefits” all refer to the same thing.

Qualifications for SSDI

If you have worked long enough and paid enough Social Security taxes, you may qualify for SSDI.  If you have an adult child and they are disabled, they may qualify for disability based on your earnings record.

When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must provide information about your medical condition, work and education history in order for the SSA to determine if you qualify for benefits.

You may qualify for SSDI if you:

• Have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), AND
• Your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, AND
• You are under the age of 65, AND
• Generally have worked 5 out of the last 10 years as of the determined date of onset of disability.

The work requirement is waived for individuals who can prove they are disabled at or before the age of 22, as they may collect benefits via their parent’s earnings.

Examples of SSDI Qualifying Medical Conditions

There are a large number of mental and physical conditions that may qualify an individual for disability benefits.

Some examples of qualifying conditions are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
• Lupus
• Cancer
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Clinical Obesity
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases (i.e. a heart attack, or asthma)

Likelihood of Receiving SSDI Benefits

The majority of applications for disability are denied initially. Approximately 36% are approved but those applicants who are denied can appeal the decision.

The appeals process can be lengthy and very time-consuming. Some cases even go to Federal District Court for a final decision.

Hiring an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney to handle your claim for SSDI can greatly improve your chances of a favorable determination for benefits.