What Does "Social Security Disability" Mean?

The definition of disability under Social Security differs from other programs. Social Security pays just for total disability. No benefits are payable for limited impairment or even for temporary disability.

"Disability" under Social Security is dependent on your inability to work. They consider you disabled under Social Security rules if:
•   You can't do work which you did before;
•   We determine that you can't adjust to other work due to your medical condition(s); and
•   Your disability has lasted or is anticipated to last for around one year or to result in death.

This is a rigid definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families get access to other resources to give support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.

Along with meeting our definition of disability, you need to have worked long enough--and recently enough--under Social Security to be eligible for disability benefits.

Social Security work credits are derived from your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can make as much as four credits annually.

The amount required for a credit changes from year to year. In 2014, for instance, you earn one credit for every $1,200 of wages or self-employment income. When you have earned $4,800, you have made your four credits for the year.

The number of work credits you will need to be eligible for disability benefits will depend on your age whenever you came to be disabled. Usually, you'll need forty credits, twenty of which were earned in the past decade ending with the year you become impaired. But, younger workers may be considered with less credits.

Having the appropriate attorney can greatly expedite the process of applying for disability. Kassin and Carrow would be honored to help you as you seek to get social security disability benefits. If you live in or near St. Louis or the Metro East Illinois area, contact them today.