Who Qualifies For Social Security SSDI?There are so many different emotions that run through an individual who has recently become disabled. Quite often they are dealing with not only the pain and limited mobility of being injured, but they are also struggling with the knowledge that they won't be able to work for some time. Losing one's income can be devastating, but understanding how and when to apply for Social Security SSDI benefits can be comforting. Dealing with the federal government at any capacity can be a bit challenging for someone who hasn't really been in that position before. There are many things to consider and the first, and most important is whether or not the person even qualifies to receive SSDI benefits. The most crucial point to bear in mind before beginning the application process is how long is the individual expected to be absent from their job. If it's a short time frame as in a few weeks or months, they don't fit into the profile of a SSDI recipient. You have to be unable to work for at least a year in order to qualify. Another important factor that is taken into consideration during the Social Security Disability Insurance application process is how long the individual has worked before becoming disabled. If they have worked for many years without any other disability instance, they likely do qualify. In terms of specifics, a person must have worked at least five out of the past 10 years. This is only applicable to someone over the age of thirty-one. Younger folks obviously will have worked less years and therefore their requirements will reflect that. Seeing a physician and being under their care is crucial in order to qualify for disability benefits. A physician needs to fill out a report that is then submitted along with the initial application for. It has to be the doctor's genuine opinion that the condition will make it impossible for the applicant to work for the next year, at minimum. The application itself is fairly straightforward, but it's incredibly important that it be filled out properly. The process of approval can take weeks, and even something as minute as an incorrect date can result in denial. If a person is denied benefits they then have to begin the process of appeal which is called a Request for Reconsideration. During this time, the individual will not be receiving any benefits at all. Many people make the mistake of believing that if they are physically unable to return to the position they held before the disability, that they immediately qualify for Social Security SSDI benefits. Unfortunately this isn't true as the requirements clearly state that the individual applying must be unable to hold any job for that year period. It's important to carefully consider whether this is applicable to your situation before you open an application. |