Understanding Social Security Disability: Eligibility & Requirements
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) designed to provide monthly financial benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is based on work history and payroll contributions through FICA taxes.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability?
To qualify for SSDI, applicants must meet two primary requirements:
- Medical Eligibility: A medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Work History Requirements: Sufficient work credits earned through prior employment.
What Qualifies as a Disability Under SSA Guidelines?
The SSA uses a strict definition of disability. According to the SSA, a qualifying disability must:
- Prevent the individual from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Be expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death
- Be supported by objective medical evidence
The SSA maintains a list of impairments known as the Blue Book, which includes both physical and mental disorders that may qualify for SSDI if certain criteria are met. Examples include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, MS)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Mental disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD)
- Cancer and immune system disorders
Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it significantly limits your ability to work.
Work Credit Requirements for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits. You earn one credit for every $1,730 of wages or self-employment income (2024 rate), up to a maximum of four credits per year.
- Typically, you need 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years.
- Younger applicants may need fewer credits. For example:
- Under age 24: 6 credits earned in the 3 years before disability
- Ages 24-31: Must have worked at least half the time since turning 21
The SSA will evaluate your work history to confirm that you meet the criteria.
Medical Eligibility and Documentation
You’ll need extensive medical evidence to support your SSDI claim. This includes:
- Medical records from treating physicians
- Diagnostic test results (MRIs, bloodwork, X-rays, etc.)
- Medication history
- Mental health evaluations (if applicable)
The SSA may also require you to attend a Consultative Examination (CE) if your medical documentation is insufficient.
A strong medical record is critical. It's helpful if your doctors provide detailed notes on:
- Your diagnosis
- Functional limitations
- Prognosis
- How the condition affects your ability to work
How Long Must a Disability Last to Qualify?
The SSA only approves benefits for disabilities expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This requirement eliminates short-term injuries and illnesses from SSDI eligibility.
If your condition improves and you can return to work, your benefits may be stopped. However, SSDI does offer trial work periods that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing your benefits.
Who is NOT Eligible for SSDI?
You may be ineligible for SSDI if:
- You do not have enough work credits
- Your disability is not severe enough to prevent SGA
- Your condition is short-term or expected to improve quickly
- You are already receiving early retirement benefits
- Your disability resulted from criminal activity or occurred while incarcerated
Also, individuals engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA) at the time of application (earning more than $1,550/month in 2024) are generally disqualified.
Why Choose Wood & Carlton, P.C. to Help?
With offices in Tupelo, Corinth, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, Wood & Carlton, P.C. offers decades of experience helping clients navigate the SSDI system. We understand how the SSA evaluates claims, and we’re dedicated to helping you build a strong application from the start—or appeal a denial if needed.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- No fees unless we win your case
- Compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys who work one-on-one with you
Don't let the complexity of SSDI discourage you from applying. Contact Wood & Carlton, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation and get the help you deserve.
Introduction: Age is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. As individuals age, their likelihood of experiencing disabling medical conditions increases, making it essential to understand how age affects SSDI benefits. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced attorneys specialize in SSDI claims and can provide valuable insights to help you navigate the impact of age on disability benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore how age influences SSDI benefits and offer guidance to individuals seeking disability support. Age as a Factor in SSDI Eligibility: The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers age as one of the key factors in determining SSDI eligibility. The age at which you become disabled can impact the criteria used to evaluate your disability claim and the amount of benefits you may receive. Full Retirement Age (FRA): The SSA uses a concept known as Full Retirement Age (FRA) to determine the age at which individuals can receive full Social Security retirement benefits. FRA varies based on your year of birth, ranging from 65 to 67 years old. Individuals who become disabled before reaching FRA may be eligible for SSDI benefits, while those who become disabled after reaching FRA may transition to retirement benefits. Impact on Disability Ratings: Age can also affect the way disability ratings are assessed by the SSA. Older individuals may receive more favorable disability ratings due to the likelihood of experiencing more severe medical conditions associated with aging. Additionally, the SSA may consider the impact of age on an individual's ability to adapt to new work environments or acquire new job skills when evaluating disability claims. Vocational Factors: As individuals age, vocational factors such as work history, education level, and transferable skills become increasingly important in determining SSDI eligibility. The SSA may take into account an individual's past work experience and ability to perform gainful employment in light of age-related limitations. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: Navigating the SSDI claims process can be complex, especially when age-related factors come into play. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., our experienced SSDI attorneys can provide comprehensive legal assistance and guidance to help you understand how age affects your eligibility for disability benefits. Whether you're nearing retirement age or experiencing age-related disabilities, we can advocate for your rights and help you navigate the SSDI claims process with confidence. Conclusion: Understanding how age affects SSDI benefits is essential for individuals navigating the disability claims process. With the experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C. by your side, you can navigate the complexities of SSDI eligibility with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your SSDI claim and learn more about how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve based on your age and disability status.
Introduction: Suffering a workplace injury can be a devastating experience, both physically and financially. If you've been injured on the job in Mississippi, seeking legal representation is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced attorneys specialize in workers' compensation law and can provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this challenging time. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of seeking legal representation after a workplace injury and how our firm can help you navigate the workers' compensation process. Understanding Your Rights: After a workplace injury, it's essential to understand your rights under Mississippi workers' compensation law. However, navigating the complexities of workers' compensation claims can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with the physical and emotional toll of your injury. Seeking legal representation allows you to have a knowledgeable advocate on your side who can explain your rights, evaluate your case, and guide you through the claims process. Maximizing Your Benefits: One of the primary reasons to seek legal representation after a workplace injury is to ensure you receive the full extent of benefits available to you. Insurance companies may try to minimize the compensation they offer, but an experienced workers' compensation attorney can fight for your rights and help you obtain the maximum benefits you deserve. Whether it's medical expenses, lost wages, or disability benefits, our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries. Navigating Complex Legal Procedures: The workers' compensation process involves complex legal procedures and deadlines that can be difficult to navigate without legal guidance. From filing your initial claim to appealing a denial, there are numerous steps involved in securing workers' compensation benefits. By hiring an attorney from Wood & Carlton, P.C., you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Mississippi workers' compensation law and will ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: At Wood & Carlton, P.C., we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to injured workers throughout Mississippi. When you choose our firm to represent you, you can expect personalized attention, dedicated advocacy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your workers' compensation claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities on your behalf. Conclusion: If you've been injured on the job in Mississippi, seeking legal representation is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. With the experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C. by your side, you can navigate the workers' compensation process with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you recover from your workplace injury.
Introduction: Navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the role of work history. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices conveniently located in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our knowledgeable attorneys specialize in SSDI claims and can provide valuable insights to help you determine your eligibility. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the impact of work history on SSDI eligibility and offer guidance to individuals seeking disability benefits. The Role of Work History in SSDI Eligibility: Your work history plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula to assess whether you have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for disability benefits. Work Credits: SSDI eligibility is based on work credits, which are earned through payment of Social Security taxes on your earnings. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits based on your age at the time of disability onset. Recent Work Test: In addition to earning enough work credits, you must also meet the recent work test, which evaluates whether you have worked recently enough to be eligible for SSDI benefits. The recent work test considers the number of years you have worked leading up to your disability onset date. Duration of Work: The duration of your work history is another important factor in SSDI eligibility. The SSA considers your total years of work and evaluates whether you have worked long enough to qualify for disability benefits. Generally, individuals with a longer work history are more likely to meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI benefits. Part-Time Work and Self-Employment: Even if you have worked part-time or been self-employed, you may still be eligible for SSDI benefits if you have earned enough work credits and met the recent work test criteria. The SSA evaluates your earnings over a certain period to determine your eligibility based on part-time or self-employment work. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: Navigating the SSDI eligibility requirements related to work history can be complex, but you don't have to navigate this process alone. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., our experienced SSDI attorneys can provide comprehensive legal assistance and guidance to help you understand your eligibility for disability benefits. We can review your work history, assess your eligibility, and advocate for your rights throughout the claims process. Conclusion: Understanding the impact of work history on SSDI eligibility is crucial for individuals seeking disability benefits. With the guidance of experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C., you can navigate the SSDI claims process with confidence and increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your SSDI claim and learn more about how we can assist you.
