No one expects to encounter a disability in their life someday, but when an accident or disease pops up, most people have to make major life changes. Many of these changes are not easy and may require quitting a former job or retiring early. Some people are concerned about their income when they have to resign from a previous position or look for new employment, but there is another solution. Social security benefits (SSD) are offered to people who qualify with a legitimate disability.

However, the application process can be tedious in terms of how much information and evidence is required. Do not let this hold you back from disability benefits. Talk to a Philadelphia long-term disability lawyer today for guidance.

Basic Information Needed for SSD Benefits

There are few prerequisites you need to start applying for SSD benefits: you need a work record at a job that was covered by social security and you need to have an official diagnosis for a medical condition that matches social security laws’ description of a disability. What SSD benefits can do for you is offer monthly payments to cover basic expenses like food and shelter.

Depending on how old you are, you may need 40 work credits or lower to qualify for disability benefits. Work credits are measured by the amount of income you make in a year, but this measurement can change each year. For example, in 2019, four credits is an amount equivalent to $5,440 earned in one year. Younger people are generally allowed benefits with lower than 40 work credits.

Determining your level of disability will play a vital role in determining whether you will be able to receive benefits. The application will assess if you are still working, how severe your disability is, and if you can still work your most recent job. The Social Security Administration will also try to analyze whether you have the capabilities to work at another job.

Evidence of Your Disability

The Social Security Administration defines disabilities in their Blue Book, a detailed list of categories and each of their specifications. Once you are diagnosed with a disability, you will need to locate the Blue Book category that best matches your current symptoms. Unfortunately, the Blue Book is written in a language for professionals rather than the public and it may be confusing to some people.

Your doctor or a disability lawyer may be able to help you with this process, in order to make sure you choose the right category. You will also need to ask your doctor for evidence of your disability through medical records or a doctor’s note. A lawyer will be able to let you know which documents are most relevant for your application to increase your chances of being accepted.

Disability Attorney in Philadelphia

If your SSD benefits application is denied, do not lose hope. A trained Philadelphia disability lawyer has experience with these types of applications and might know what went wrong. Contact Edelstein & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today. Through years of experience with disability cases, we will be able to assess your situation and organize the documents you need to improve your chances of receiving benefits.