Social Security Disability Insurance is the monetary benefit that Americans pay into Social Security while they are working and gainfully employed. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must earn and pay Social Security taxes on a minimum amount of covered work. This can apply to retirement benefits, as well. Although it can vary based on age, most individuals have to have 40 work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance Work Credits
Social Security Disability Insurance work credits are based on the amount of money that you earn. The earned funds necessary to receive credit can change per year, and a maximum of four credits can be earned per year. The work credits you earn will remain on your record even if you quit working. Some jobs, such as some government or railroad work, may not be covered by Social Security Disability Insurance, so you should be aware of this if your job is paying into a different system.
The number of Social Security Disability Insurance credits you need usually depends on your age and when you became disabled. The number of work credits does not affect the amount of your benefit; it merely affects whether or not you are eligible. Once it is confirmed that you have enough work credits to be eligible, the Social Security Administration will review whether you can be deemed as disabled under their guidelines. To be found to be disabled under Social Security rules:
- You must not be able to do the work that you did before
- You found you cannot adjust to any other type of work based on your medical condition
- You have been disabled for at least one year
- You expect to be disabled for at least one year
- Your disability is expected to result in death
Supplemental Security Income
If you do not have sufficient work credits to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, there is still hope for getting the help you need. If your income and assets are limited, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Supplemental Security Income is a program the Social Security administration established to help people who meet the definition of disability under their guidelines but do not have sufficient work credits to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Or, the Supplemental Security Income program can help individuals whose SSDI benefits are low. General tax revenue funds Supplemental Security Income. It is designed to help blind, aged, and disabled people who have little or no income. Through Supplemental Security Income, these people can receive cash for food, shelter, and clothing.
A Social Security Disability lawyer has extensive experience handling Social Security Disability Insurance claims. These legal professionals can help you with your application, make sure that you provide appropriate and sufficient medical proof of disability, and then represent you in the case or appeals process. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can help to ensure that your case is presented thoroughly and professionally to the Administrative Law Judge overseeing your claim.
Maryland Social Security Disability attorneys will help with your disability claim and work hard to help you get the benefits you need.