Social Security Disability

If you are suffering from a disability and can no longer work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits through programs made available by the Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for disability benefits, the SSA has put in place certain requirements and standards of eligibility. If you are dealing with a disability, and are not able to work, it is essential to contact a Washington County, OR Social Security disability attorney to discuss your particular claim.

SSDI

The Social Security Administration offers two different disability benefits programs. One of the programs is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. SSDI benefits are available to individuals who are under the age of 65, have enough work credits, and suffer from a qualifying disability under the SSA’s standards. It is often not easy to qualify for benefits. As such, it is recommended to enlist the expertise of a Social Security disability attorney who works throughout the Hillsboro, Oregon and Washington County area. An experienced Social Security disability attorney can advise you on the best course of action for your particular case.

Social Security Disability Insurance Eligibility

The Social Security Administration has a list with a set of guidelines that defines what a qualifying disability constitutes. The list of qualifying disabilities is extensive, but not inclusive. If your disability is not listed, it does not mean that you are automatically ineligible. You may still qualify as long as your disability meets the conditions set forth by the Social Security Administration. To determine whether you have a qualifying disability, you can talk to a Washington County, OR Social Security disability attorney. A knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney can go over in detail the stipulations and conditions required by the Social Security Administration.

Part of determining whether an applicant qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, the Social Security Administration asks five questions as part of their screening process. The five questions include the following:

1) Are You Currently Working While Applying For Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security disability benefits are usually granted to individuals who are unable to work due to their disability. However, if you are working and your income falls below the substantial gainful activity limits used by the SSA, there’s a chance that you could still be eligible and move on to question number two.

2) How Severe Is Your Condition?

To qualify for benefits, the condition must be severe enough to interfere or restrict the applicant from basic work-related activities. If the condition does not interfere, then the applicant will not be considered disabled. If it does interfere, then question three is asked next.

3) Is Your Condition On The List Of Qualifying Disabling Conditions?

As previously mentioned, the SSA has a list of disabling medical conditions and guidelines that automatically qualifies a person to be considered disabled. If the condition is not on the list, the SSA will assess whether it is severe enough to qualify. If the condition is deemed severe, then the applicant will be considered disabled and obtain benefits. If it is not regarded as severe, the applicant moves on to question four.

4) Are You Able To Perform Work You Used To Do?

If the condition stops or interferes the applicant from doing work they use to do, the applicant will be asked question five. If the condition does not prevent or interfere with the ability to perform previous work, the applicant will be denied disability.

5) Can You Do Other Work?

If the applicant cannot do the work they did before, the SSA will want to know if there is some other type of work that the applicant can do instead. To determine whether the applicant can or cannot do other work, they will consider age, previous work experience, education, transferable skills, and medical condition. If they find that the person cannot adjust, they will be awarded benefits. If the person can adjust, their claim will be denied.

 Appealing A Denial Of Disability Benefits

When you apply for disability benefits, it can take five months to receive a decision on your request for benefits. Unfortunately, about 85% of applicants are denied benefits. However, if your application is rejected, you do have the right to appeal. If you decided to forgo hiring a

Social Security disability attorney from the beginning, it is not too late to seek their legal assistance if you wish to appeal. Working with a Washington County, OR Social Security disability attorney who also serves within the Hillsboro, Oregon area, can significantly increase your chances of getting your application or appeal approved. It is important to remember that appeals must be submitted within 60 days from when the denial was received. To ensure a timely submission with a higher chance of approval, contact a Social Security disability attorney as soon as possible.