Social Security Claim: The Basics

It is important for you to know the basics of a Social Security claim before you submit one. You must know what disability programs are available for you, as well as certain requirements that you must follow in order for you claim to be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

There are two disability programs that are available for you to qualify for benefits on the basis of disability. The first one is the Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI), which provides monthly benefits and medical assistance to workers who had sufficient amount of working hours based on age before getting disabled and unable to do substantial work activities.

The second one is the Supplemental Security Income(SSI). This program is for those who have limited sources and income. Monthly benefits are given not only to disabled persons, but also for the elderly aged 65 and older and the blind.

To qualify for disability benefits, you must be aware of the following factors:

·         Your substantial gainful activity must be lower than the standard set by the SSA. For 2012, you must have earned lower than $1,010.

·         Your disability should last or has lasted for at least a year. That way, you’ll be considered as having a long-term disability.

·         Your disability should be listed in the SSA’s List of Impairments. If it is so, you are automatically considered disabled and eligible for either SSDI or SSI.

·         Your disability should limit your abilities in performing activities of daily living or ADL.

·         Your disability should hinder you from doing your current work, your job in the past, or your job in which your skills can be transferred.

If you want help in gathering medical evidence and employment records to strengthen your claim, you must not hesitate to hire any of the available Social Security disability attorneys in your area. The expertise of such a lawyer can be of great help for you.