Social Security Disability insurance is there to protect you and your family financially in case you acquire a disability that temporarily or permanently disables you from working. Applying for SSD benefits can be easy with the help of a Fayetteville social security disability attorney. However, what may not be that easy is getting it approved.
According to the SSA, only 35% of the SSD claims get approved. Therefore, your chances of getting your claim approved are rather slim. However, you can take a few measures to push the odds of approval in your favor. Other than that, a good attorney also helps significantly.
Factors that increase your chances of getting SSDI benefits
- Your income is less than SGA.
SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. Even though the benefit is called social security disability, being disabled in itself is not enough to receive the benefits. SSD benefits only help people who earn less than a certain amount. In 2020, earning more than $1,206 a month and $2,110 for a blind person could make you ineligible to apply for SSD benefits.
- You have paid enough social security taxes.
Social security benefits are your money being paid back to you by the government. You need to have sufficient work credits to qualify for SSA. When you work a job, you earn 4 credits per year. To be eligible for benefits, you need to have at least 40 credits in total. Younger workers may apply with fewer credits. However, before applying, make sure your job pays social security taxes.
- You have strong medical evidence.
In proving disability, medical evidence is the most crucial factor. You must prove your injuries, illness, and other medical conditions with official medical documentation from your doctor or a hospital. Make sure that the reports clearly show that you can no longer work because of your disability. Ultimately, behind all successful claims, there is solid medical evidence. Also, make sure that your disability falls in the SSA’s list of impairments. While this may not guarantee you benefits, it still helps.
- You cannot return to work or take up an alternative job.
You need to establish that your condition or age prevents you from returning to work or taking up another job to earn your living. This can be done with medical reports and statements from doctors and experts.
- You cannot do any past work.
You are only eligible for SSA benefits if you are completely unable to work, which stands for any job. Therefore, neither you can join another job nor your previous work. The SSA will analyze your age, education, illness, and experience to see whether you can work another job and if you qualify, your benefits will be denied.
