Disability Benefits: How To Qualify

We Can Help You Get Disability Benefits

People with disabilities who are unable to work may be eligible to receive cash benefits from at least one of the following programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs are run by the Social Security Administration. As such, it determines who is eligible to receive cash benefits from either program.

If you are unable or no longer able to work due to a disability, we may be able to help you get cash benefits. If your claim has been denied, we can help you prove your eligibility and appeal the denial.

Your eligibility depends on your situation. It is vitally important that you know the basic criteria to apply for either program, as well as the key differences between each one.

Do I Qualify?

Millions of people with disabilities receive Social Security disability benefits. Call us at 833-MY-DISABILITY (833-693-4722) or complete our evaluation form.

Se Habla Español. Si tiene preguntas sobre beneficios de seguro por incapacidad, llame al 833-MI-DISABILITY (833-643-4722) o envíenos un correo electrónico a info@ndallc.com.

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The Benefits Programs

Qualifying for SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance is a program for people with disabilities who have worked and paid into Social Security. When you work and pay these taxes, you earn “work credits.”

Those who have earned work credits or have a family member with work credits are considered “insured.” Your monthly SSDI payments will depend on the number of “work credits” you accumulated.

To qualify for SSDI, you must be “insured” and meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria for “disability.” Call us today to learn if you qualify.

Qualifying for SSI

Supplemental Security Income helps people with disabilities who have limited financial means. The program helps those who are blind, have a disability or are at least 65 years old.

Some people who qualify for SSDI may also qualify for SSI. Qualifying for SSDI and SSI may affect the amount of money you get from each program.

To qualify for SSI, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disability” and not exceed certain federal thresholds on financial resources. Call us today to learn if you qualify.

Types Of Disability Claims

Disability Benefits for Single Adults

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If you are an individual with a disability, you can make an individual claim for Disability Insurance Benefits. The claim would be based on your earnings and/or employment record, as well as the taxes you paid into Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you are an individual with a disability and you have limited financial means, you can make an SSI claim for a Disabled Individual. The evaluation process would take into account your limited assets.

Have Questions?

If you are a single adult who needs help applying for benefits or appealing a denial, our disability attorneys can help you with your disability claim.

Need to apply for SSDI or SSI? Contact our disability firm today.

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Disability Benefits for Children

Benefits For Minor Children

If an adult has a disability, receives SSDI and has a minor dependent, then that minor may receive auxiliary benefits. Recipients of auxiliary benefits do not have to be disabled.

If your child is disabled and under the age of 18, you may be eligible for a Disabled Child claim for SSI. There is a unique evaluation process for childhood disabilities. Additionally, this SSI claim will take into account the guardian’s income and assets.

Benefits for Adult Children

Young disabled adults may not have enough work history themselves in order to get an SSDI claim. However, an unmarried adult child may get Disabled Adult Child benefits if they fit the following criteria: the adult child was found disabled before age 22, has never engaged in substantial gainful activity, and is/was a dependent of a wage earner who is either receiving benefits or is deceased. Talk to a specialist to learn more.

Need Child Benefits?

If you are looking to get benefits for your child, request a free case evaluation from our disability team.

Ask us about SSI claims, SSDI claims, and benefits for dependents.

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Disability Benefits for Spouses

Benefits for Spouses

If a married individual has a disability and is receiving SSDI benefits, the person’s dependent spouse may receive auxiliary benefits. The spouse does not have to be disabled to receive them.

Benefits for Widow(er)s

If you are disabled and a widow or widower to someone who had qualifying work history, you may file an SSDI for Disabled Widow(er)s Benefits. The cash benefits will be based on the deceased person’s earnings record. If you divorced the person who has since died, you may file a claim as long as you have not remarried.

Need Spousal Benefits?

Whether you are looking for spousal benefits or are inquiring about benefits for widows and widowers, our attorneys can help you get the money you need.

The benefits process can be hard. Request a free case review to learn how we can help you.

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Disability Criteria

Each program has a different set of claims, but generally, they rely on the same definition of “disability.” This definition is a little different from the way people typically discuss their disabilities. The Social Security Administration will consider your work history, ability to do basic tasks and other kinds of work that you could potentially do.

To determine if you are disabled, the Social Security Administration will complete a sequential evaluation. This evaluation will consider five major components of your situation. If you don’t fit the criteria set by this evaluation, the Social Security Administration may reject your claim.

If you have further questions about your qualification for disability benefits, call our firm at 833-MY-DISABILITY (833-693-4722). Otherwise, complete our form to request a free case review.

Se Habla Español. Llame al 833-MI-DISABILITY (833-643-4722).

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1. Substantial Gainful Activity

The Social Security Administration considers you disabled if you cannot do “substantial gainful activity.” This is defined by work that requires significant physical or mental activity. Work that is considered “substantial gainful activity” generates or is considered to be worth a certain income per month.

The income limits applied here will change every year. The monthly amount considered to be “substantial gainful activity” in 2024 are as follows:

$1,550 for non-blind individuals (applies for both SSDI and SSI)
$2,590 for blind individuals (applies to SSDI only)

2. Severity of Disability

Your condition is considered severe if it limits your ability to do basic work tasks. This could include physical tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, stooping and carrying around items. Basic work could also include mental tasks such as following instructions, making judgment calls or dealing with changes in routine.

If you have more than one disability, the combined effect of those disabilities are often more than the sum of their parts. Those with multiple disabilities will be evaluated on the combined effect that these disabilities have on your ability to work.

If you want to know whether your condition is severe enough for you to qualify, contact our disability team for a free consultation.

3. Type of Disability

The Social Security Administration keeps a list of impairments, which is split up by body systems, such as the brain, nerves, blood systems, skin, lungs and other organs. Each listed disability has its own criteria that someone must meet to be considered disabled.

If your disability isn’t listed in this list, then your condition will be compared to a similar disability on the list in terms of effect, “severity and duration.”

If you don’t quite meet these criteria, you’ll be evaluated by your “Residual Functional Capacity,” or your ability to do full-time work in spite of your disability or combined disabilities.

4. Your Work History

At this stage, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your ability to do full-time or part-time work in the jobs that you used to do.

The Social Security Administration will consider how the work is actually done and how the work is generally done. Then, they will determine if you can do the work with reasonable accommodations for your disability.

If there is work similar to what you used to do, the Social Security Administration will consider if you can perform that work.

If you can do work that meets the level of “substantial gainful activity,” you will not be considered disabled.

5. Ability to Do Other Work

If you cannot do work that you used to do, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your ability to do other types of work. They will consider your “residual functional capacity,” which is “the most you can do despite your limitations.”

In addition, the Social Security Administration will consider your age, education and previous work experience.

To prove that you are not disabled, the Social Security Administration has to find work that you are able to do. Types of work are broken down by 1) how long it takes to learn how to do the job and 2) how strenuous the job is for the worker.

Find Out If You Qualify

If you are unable or no longer able to work due to a disability, you should get
the benefits that you need. Get a free case review today.

Complete our form below or call us at 833-MY-DISABILITY .

Free Case Evaluation