An Ardent Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer
How the Social Security Administration defines disability
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, it is not enough for your doctor to declare you disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as an inability to engage in any substantial gainful employment activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:
- Can be expected to result in death, or
- Has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or more.
Some conditions that may qualify as disabilities under these definitions include:
- Total blindness
- Total deafness
- HIV infection
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Severe mental retardation
- Birth weight below 2 pounds, 10 ounces
Effect of your earnings history on SSA program eligibility
Your employment history and your ability to work affect your eligibility for the following government-sponsored disability benefit programs:
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI): An applicant who is seeking SSDI disability benefits is required to have contributed to the Social Security fund through employment-based taxes long enough to be considered fully insured and recently enough to have secured disability insured taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): The government grants SSI benefits to adults with limited income or resources and children based in part on household income. The SSI program involves work incentives and exclusions that are beneficial to lower income households.
How to handle a Social Security claim delay or denial
Do not give up if you were turned down for Social Security disability benefits or if your claim has been delayed. Many claims are denied based on a technicality — because you did not state your disability correctly or failed to provide an adequate medical record to support your claim. David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law is familiar with what it takes to secure benefits and can help you with re-filing your claim or filing for reconsideration.
Call today. David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law can help.
A lawyer familiar with the Social Security claims process can be invaluable to you as you file for disability benefits. Mr. Edgar can explain the claims process and help you secure your benefits. Call David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law at 207-532-2255 or contact the firm online.
