Some people become unable to work at some point because of medical issues. After beginning or developing a career, they have to cease working because of functional limitations or debilitating symptoms. A small percentage of those individuals may have private disability benefits available to them.
However, many people do not have private disability insurance coverage. Instead, the main form of protection available when they can no longer work is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Many people have heard that qualifying for SSDI benefits can be relatively difficult.
What are the requirements imposed on those seeking SSDI benefits?
Medical issues must be truly debilitating
Workers are typically only eligible for SSDI benefits when they have severe medical conditions. With certain rare exceptions for special circumstances, only those who are completely unable to work qualify.
An office manager who acquires a brain injury and who can no longer work in their well-paid profession might still be able to work as a cashier or in a less-demanding profession. Even though they cannot work the same job, they do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
A condition needs to be so severe that a worker cannot maintain consistent, gainful employment. Additionally, the condition has to last for 12 months or longer for the worker to be eligible. Even if a condition is totally debilitating, if it is likely to resolve in under 12 months, the applicant likely does not qualify for SSDI benefits.
The worker must have adequate work history
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at more than just medical records when reviewing SSDI applications. Applicants also need to have a sufficient work history. For applicants over the age of 31, the SSA requires a minimum of 40 credits, at least 20 credits should be from within the last 10 years.
Workers can only earn at most four credits each year, which means that employees need to have at least 10 years of work history in most cases. Younger workers can qualify with fewer credits depending on their age.
Sometimes, eligible applicants get denied initially and must appeal to prove that they qualify. Those who are unsure of whether or not they may be eligible for SSDI benefits may need help reviewing their circumstances and the rules for the program. Having the right support and being aware that an appeal could be necessary can help people find the courage to apply and the tenacity to follow through even when there are challenges.