Question 1

What criteria does the Social Security Administration use to determine disability?

Accepted Answer

The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine if you are disabled. This includes determining if you're working, the severity of your condition, if your condition is found in the list of disabling conditions, your ability to perform your past work, and your ability to do any other type of work.

Question 2

How can a lawyer help with my Social Security Disability claim?

Accepted Answer

A lawyer can help you understand the process, gather necessary medical evidence, prepare your testimony for your hearing, and argue your case in front of the administrative law judge. They can also assist with appeals if your claim is denied.

Question 3

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Accepted Answer

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your prior work history and the taxes you've paid into the system. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for low-income individuals who haven't paid enough into the system to qualify for SSDI.

Question 4

Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but there are limits to how much you can earn. The Social Security Administration offers work incentives that allow you to keep your benefits while testing your ability to work.

Question 5

Can I receive Social Security Disability benefits if I have never worked?

Accepted Answer

If you haven't worked or haven't earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you might still be eligible for SSI if you have a disability and meet the financial requirements.

Question 6

What happens to my Social Security Disability benefits when I reach retirement age?

Accepted Answer

When you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.

Question 7

What medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

Accepted Answer

There are many medical conditions that may qualify for benefits, including mental disorders, cardiovascular conditions, musculoskeletal problems, immune system disorders, and others. The Social Security Administration maintains a listing of impairments known as the "Blue Book" where you can see if your condition is listed.

Question 8

What do I do if my Social Security Disability claim is denied?

Accepted Answer

If your claim is denied, don't lose hope. Many claims are denied initially but are later approved during the appeals process. It's important to appeal within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.

Question 9

How long does it take to get Social Security Disability benefits?

Accepted Answer

The process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on various factors including the nature of your disability, how quickly the Social Security Administration receives medical evidence, the need for a hearing, and any necessary review of the application for quality purposes.

Question 10

Does Social Security Disability pay for medical expenses?

Accepted Answer

Social Security Disability does not directly pay for medical expenses. However, after receiving disability benefits for two years, you will be eligible for Medicare, which can help cover future medical costs.

Question 11

How much money can I receive from SSDI benefits?

Accepted Answer

The amount of money you can receive from SSDI benefits depends on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. It's not based on the severity of your disability or your current income. In 2023, the average SSDI benefit amount is around $1,277 per month, but it could be more or less depending on your specific situation.

Question 12

What can I do if my application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied?

Accepted Answer

If your application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You generally have 60 days after you receive the decision to request an appeal. The appeal process can include reconsideration, a hearing by an administrative law judge, a review by the Appeals Council, and a Federal Court review.

Question 13

How do I know if I'm eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits is based on a number of factors, including your work history, your medical condition, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Generally, to be eligible, you must have a medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and you must be unable to perform any substantial gainful activity.

Question 14

What happens if I am no longer disabled and can return to work?

Accepted Answer

If your health improves to the point where you can return to work, the Social Security Administration offers work incentives to help make the transition easier. These incentives can allow you to continue receiving benefits and access to healthcare while you test your ability to work. If you start working and earning above a certain amount, your benefits will eventually stop.

Question 15

I think I'm disabled and unable to work. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you think you're disabled and unable to work, the first step is to consult with a doctor and get a professional medical evaluation. If your doctor agrees that you're unable to work due to your medical condition, you can then apply for Social Security Disability benefits. It's important to start this process as soon as possible, as it can take a long time to be approved for benefits. Consulting with a disability lawyer can also be beneficial, as they can guide you through the process and ensure you have the best chance of getting approved.

Best Social Security Disability Attorneys in California

Law Offices of Norman J. Homen Profile & Reviews

Law Office of Jon Marlowe Profile & Reviews

Disability Help Center Profile & Reviews

Tom R Johnson Attorney at Law Profile & Reviews

Golden & Timbol Profile & Reviews

RCM Legal Profile & Reviews

Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld Profile & Reviews

Peña & Bromberg Profile & Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability

What criteria does the Social Security Administration use to determine disability?

How can a lawyer help with my Social Security Disability claim?

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits?

Can I receive Social Security Disability benefits if I have never worked?

What happens to my Social Security Disability benefits when I reach retirement age?

What medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

What do I do if my Social Security Disability claim is denied?

How long does it take to get Social Security Disability benefits?

Does Social Security Disability pay for medical expenses?

How much money can I receive from SSDI benefits?

What can I do if my application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied?

How do I know if I'm eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?

What happens if I am no longer disabled and can return to work?

I think I'm disabled and unable to work. What should I do?

Table of Contents:

You’re our first priority. Every time.

Best Social Security Disability Attorneys in California

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability

What criteria does the Social Security Administration use to determine disability?

How can a lawyer help with my Social Security Disability claim?

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits?

Can I receive Social Security Disability benefits if I have never worked?

What happens to my Social Security Disability benefits when I reach retirement age?

What medical conditions qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

What do I do if my Social Security Disability claim is denied?

How long does it take to get Social Security Disability benefits?

Does Social Security Disability pay for medical expenses?

How much money can I receive from SSDI benefits?

What can I do if my application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied?

How do I know if I'm eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?

What happens if I am no longer disabled and can return to work?

I think I'm disabled and unable to work. What should I do?

Table of Contents:

You’re our first priority.
Every time.