Qualifying for Social Security Disability
If you are suffering a permanent or long-term illness or physical disability, you know the fear and frustration of not being able to care for yourself and your family. In many cases, Social Security Disability insurance can help you with the financial concerns associated with your disability. If you do not have a work history, you do not qualify for Social Security Disability in Nashville, but Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability may be an option for you.
Do you qualify for SSD?
If you have been injured or are too ill to continue working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability. In Murfreesboro, you can apply at the local Social Security office. But, you must meet certain requirements to qualify for benefits:
- Your condition must prevent you from working.
- Your disability must extend for at least 12 months. You may have already experienced 12 months of disability, or you may expect your disability to last for at least that long.
- During the period of your disability, you must be unable to earn more than $980 per month in income.
- You must have earned a sufficient number of work credits. This is typically a total of 40 credits, half of which have been earned in the 10 years before the disability occurred. As a general rule, a sufficient number of credits are earned by having maintained a relatively consistent work history for five of the 10 preceding years, during which time you paid Social Security taxes. For younger applicants, the requirements are somewhat less.
Is Nashville SSI Disability right for you?
The qualifications for SSI are significantly different and can be complex, but you can use an online screening tool to help identify if you qualify for benefits, or visit the local Murfreesboro SSI office of the SSA. The following are some basic qualifications:
- An applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national who meets certain residency requirements. Some aliens can also qualify for benefits.
- The amount of income you can receive is defined based on where you live, and it includes wages, Social Security benefits, and can include such things as some food and shelter you may receive. It excludes some income you receive, food stamps, shelter from private nonprofit organizations, and most home energy assistance.
- Applicants must have limited resources in terms of such items as cash, bank accounts, land, vehicles, and a host of other items.
- You must be 65 or older, meet the definition for statutory blindness, or qualify as disabled.
Attorneys make a difference in your claim
Whether you apply for SSD or SSI, retaining an experienced Murfreesboro Social Security income lawyer can make a significant difference in your claim. The attorneys at Craft & Sheppard, PLC can ensure you include all needed details in your initial claim and pursue your claim throughout the complex appeals process, when needed. Contact us today.
