Understanding the Impact of Work History on Social Security Disability Eligibility: Guidance from Wood & Carlton, P.C.

April 17, 2025

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.

July 17, 2025
Introduction: Navigating the Social Security Disability (SSD) appeals process can be complex and daunting, especially for individuals who have had their initial SSD claims denied. Fortunately, claimants have the opportunity to seek further review of their cases at the Appeals Council and, if necessary, in federal court. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced SSD attorneys are well-versed in the appeals process and can provide valuable guidance to claimants at every stage. In this blog post, we'll explore the Appeals Council and Federal Court levels for SSD appeals and offer insights to help claimants understand their options. The Appeals Council: The Appeals Council is the next level of review after an initial denial of SSD benefits. Claimants who receive an unfavorable decision from an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can request a review by the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council examines the ALJ's decision for errors of law or procedure and may overturn, modify, or remand the decision for further review. Requesting Review by the Appeals Council: To request a review by the Appeals Council, claimants must submit a written appeal within 60 days of receiving the ALJ's decision. The appeal should include specific reasons why the claimant believes the decision is incorrect and may include additional evidence or legal arguments to support their case. The Appeals Council's Decision: Upon reviewing the case, the Appeals Council may take several actions, including affirming the ALJ's decision, issuing a new decision, or remanding the case for further review. If the Appeals Council denies the claimant's request for review, the ALJ's decision becomes final.  Federal Court Review: If a claimant disagrees with the Appeals Council's decision or if the Appeals Council denies their request for review, they may file a lawsuit in federal court seeking judicial review of their SSD claim. Federal court review provides claimants with the opportunity to present their case before a federal judge, who will evaluate whether the SSA's decision was supported by substantial evidence and free from legal errors. Legal Representation: Navigating the Appeals Council and federal court levels of SSD appeals requires experienced legal representation. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., our SSD attorneys have a deep understanding of the appeals process and can provide skilled advocacy to help claimants present their cases effectively at each stage of review. Conclusion: The Appeals Council and federal court levels offer claimants additional opportunities to appeal unfavorable decisions in SSD cases. With the guidance of skilled attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C., claimants can navigate the appeals process with confidence and increase their chances of obtaining the SSD benefits they deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your SSD appeal and learn more about how we can assist you.
July 3, 2025
Introduction: When workers suffer injuries on the job in Mississippi, returning to work can be a complex process, particularly when their injuries prevent them from resuming their regular job duties. In such cases, employers may offer light duty work assignments as a transitional measure to accommodate injured workers while they recover. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., with offices in Corinth, Tupelo, and Pontotoc, Mississippi, our experienced workers' compensation attorneys are well-versed in light duty work assignments and can provide valuable guidance to injured workers navigating this aspect of the workers' comp process. In this blog post, we'll discuss what injured workers should know about light duty work assignments in Mississippi. Definition of Light Duty Work: Light duty work refers to modified job duties or tasks that are less physically demanding than the injured worker's regular job duties. These assignments are typically temporary and are designed to accommodate the worker's restrictions or limitations resulting from their injury, allowing them to remain productive and employed while they recover. Employer's Obligations: Under Mississippi workers' compensation laws, employers have an obligation to offer suitable light duty work assignments to injured workers who are capable of performing them. Failure to provide light duty work when available may result in penalties for the employer and could impact the worker's entitlement to workers' compensation benefits. Eligibility Criteria: Whether an injured worker is eligible for light duty work assignments depends on various factors, including the nature and extent of their injuries, medical restrictions or limitations imposed by their healthcare provider, and the availability of suitable light duty positions within the employer's organization. Wage Considerations: Injured workers who accept light duty work assignments may receive reduced wages compared to their pre-injury earnings. However, they may still be entitled to partial wage replacement benefits under workers' compensation laws to offset the difference between their pre-injury and post-injury earnings.  Rights of Injured Workers: Injured workers should be aware of their rights when offered light duty work assignments. They have the right to seek clarification from their healthcare provider regarding their medical restrictions and limitations and to request accommodations that align with their abilities and medical needs. Legal Advocacy from Wood & Carlton, P.C.: Navigating light duty work assignments and workers' compensation benefits can be complex, especially for injured workers dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury. At Wood & Carlton, P.C., our dedicated workers' comp attorneys can provide comprehensive legal assistance and advocacy to ensure that injured workers' rights are protected and that they receive the benefits they deserve. Conclusion: Understanding light duty work assignments is essential for injured workers in Mississippi who are navigating the workers' compensation process. With the guidance of experienced attorneys at Wood & Carlton, P.C., injured workers can navigate light duty work assignments with confidence and advocate for their rights throughout the workers' comp process. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your workers' comp claim and learn more about how we can help you.