Pasco County Social Security Disability Lawyer

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is intended to provide financial support to Americans that have previously maintained employment, but are no longer able to do so because of a disability. When a person is at their most vulnerable and in need of the financial support, that can be the difference between keeping and losing their house. Being approved for SSDI as quickly as possible can impact their life significantly.

There are strict requirements to be eligible for SSDI and applications are often denied due to simple errors. If your application has been denied, contact a Pasco County social security disability lawyer for assistance in getting your benefits. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue this further on behalf of your future.

Social Security Administration Credits

SSDI eligibility requires applicants to have worked for a minimum number of hours within a specified time period to earn the credits necessary to become eligible for SSDI. In 2017, individuals accrue one credit after earning $1,300, and a maximum of four credits for each $1,300 earned thereafter within the year. SSDI applicants that are at least 31 years old must have earned 20 credits in the past 10 years to be eligible for disability benefits. This number increases until SSDI applicants reach 62 years of age.

Applicants that are between the age of 24 and 30 are required to have worked at least half of the time before becoming disabled, after reaching age 21. An individual that became disabled at age 28 typically had to work three and a half years before being eligible for disability income from the SSA. When a SSDI applicant is under the age of 24, they must have six credits in the three years leading up to the disability before they are eligible for disability benefits.

Disability Requirements

In addition to having the necessary number of credits to be eligible for disability benefits, SSDI applicants must meet the SSA definition of disability. This does not include every applicant that is unable to work. SSDI benefits are specifically available for those that are unable to perform the work that they used to perform because of a disability.

SSDI eligibility requires the applicant to be unable to adjust to other work because of the medical condition. The final medical requirement is that the applicant be disabled for at least one year or the disability will result in the applicant’s death.

There is not one type of injury that is required to be eligible for disability benefits, but the requirements do suggest that the injury be serious, such as, but not limited to, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and fractures that necessitate extensive rehabilitation. It may be critical for injured parties to contact a Pasco County social security disability lawyer right away.

Denied SSDI Claims

SSDI applicants can be denied for various reasons, including not meeting the disability requirements and/or not having sufficient work credits. Applications can also be denied when disability income applicants have income that exceeds the maximum limits under the substantial gainful activity limits. An applicant that fails to follow prescribed treatment, if the treatment is expected to assist her or him with recovery, could also be grounds for a denied claim.

However, a substantial number of SSDI denials are the result of avoidable administrative errors that occur when completing an application for disability benefits. To avoid the unnecessary denial or delays in approving your application for SSDI, contact a Pasco County social security disability lawyer for assistance. Attorneys can review your social security application and pursue your case in order to get you the best possible outcome.