Understanding how the Social Security Administration defines Substantial Gainful Activity and disabilities is one of the most important things to know when it comes to figuring out your eligibility for Philadelphia disability benefits. The SSA has specific requirements that you have to meet before you can start receiving disability payments. Knowing what requirements you have to meet ahead of time can save you time in the long run. Talk to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney to learn more.

What is Substantial Gainful Activity?

Philadelphia Substantial Gainful Activity is a description of the amount of mental or physical work activity that can be considered gainful and substantial. In other words, the SSA wants to measure how much physical or mental work you can perform with your disability. This will determine whether you need disability benefits or if you can continue to work to earn enough income despite your disability.

Gainful activity means any kind of work that results in some form of payment or profit. This could mean work performed for profit or work that is generally performed for profit. This type of activity can also mean work that is intended for profit, whether or not profit is given. The only time you will meet an exception to the gainful activity requirement is if you are blind and applying for Philadelphia Supplemental Security Income.

The substantial work requirement does not mandate you to work full time and your earnings must be under $1,260 a month for you to be considered eligible for disability insurance unless you are blind. If your monthly income exceeds this amount, then you would be placed into the Substantial Gainful Activity category. In other words, you want to make sure you do not meet the definition of Substantial Gainful Activity if you want to collect disability insurance.

What Other Requirements Do I Need for Disability Benefits?

Low Substantial Gainful Activity is not the only Philadelphia disability benefits requirements you need to meet to qualify for benefits. You also need to meet the requirements of the SSA disability definition, evidentiary requirements, and work history requirement. The SSA disability requirement means you need to have a mental or physical disability that significantly impairs your work performance.

The evidentiary requirements will vary depending on the type of disability you have, but in general, you will be told to submit medical evidence of your disability. This might include medical records that show the diagnosis, lab tests, and doctor’s notes. When it comes to the work history requirement, you will need to show that you have worked long and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits.

Disability Attorney in Philadelphia

Figuring out whether you met all the SSA requirements for disability benefits can be difficult enough but collecting all the evidence can come with challenges of its own. Consider hiring a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you are struggling with the disability application process or found out your benefits were denied for unfounded reasons. Contact Edelstein & Nelson at 800-887-4529 for a consultation today. Our Philadelphia disability lawyers can work with you to investigate your claim and determine what you need to qualify for benefits.