Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) refers to a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability. The program is designed to provide income support to those who have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes and have a qualifying disability.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

SSD work credits, also known as Social Security work credits, are units used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine an individual's eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Work credits are accrued based on your earnings and are used to measure your work history and determine your eligibility for various Social Security programs, including SSD. Here's how work credits are earned:

• Earning Work Credits: Work credits are calculated based on the amount of income you earn and the number of years you have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA). In 2023, you can earn one work credit for every $1,640 of earnings subject to Social Security taxes. The exact dollar amount required for a work credit changes annually as it is adjusted for inflation.

• Maximum Work Credits per Year: You can earn a maximum of four work credits per year. This means that you need to earn a certain amount of income throughout the year to earn all four credits.

• Different Earning Levels for Work Credits: The income level required to earn a work credit changes each year. The SSA divides income into quarters, and for each quarter you earn enough income to meet the threshold, you earn a work credit.

The number of work credits you need to be eligible for SSDI benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need to have earned a specific number of work credits in the years leading up to your disability. The SSA has a chart that outlines the work credit requirements based on different age groups.

It's important to note that work credits are not used to determine the amount of your SSD benefit payment. Instead, the benefit amount is based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled.

If you are unsure about your work credit history or whether you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you can contact the Social Security Administration directly or consult with a disability attorney or advocate who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Severe Disability

The Social Security Administration defines a severe disability as a medical condition that significantly impairs your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). They consider factors such as the severity of the condition, its impact on your ability to work, and its duration.

 Here are some key points to understand about severe disabilities for SSDI:

• Definition: A severe disability, according to the SSA, refers to a medical condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity, which is defined as work that provides a certain level of income (in 2023, the threshold is $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 per month for blind individuals).

• Medical Severity: To qualify for SSDI, your disability must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, remembering, and interacting with others. It should significantly limit your capacity to perform even simple tasks required for most jobs.

• Duration: Your severe disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA does not provide benefits for short-term or temporary disabilities.

• Medical Evidence: To establish the severity of your disability, you'll need to provide medical evidence, such as doctor's reports, test results, treatment records, and other relevant documentation. This evidence should demonstrate the nature and extent of your condition, its impact on your ability to work, and the prescribed treatment and its outcomes.



• Evaluation Process: The SSA will evaluate your disability claim based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. They will consider medical evidence, work history, and other factors when determining if your disability meets their criteria for SSDI eligibility.

It's important to note that the SSA has a specific Listing of Impairments, often referred to as the Blue Book, which outlines various medical conditions and their associated criteria for disability. If your condition meets the requirements outlined in the Blue Book for a specific impairment, it can streamline the evaluation process. However, even if your condition does not match a listing exactly, you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate that your disability is severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity.

If you believe you have a severe disability that qualifies you for SSDI benefits, it is recommended to consult with a disability attorney or advocate who can assist you in navigating the application process and gathering the necessary documentation to support your claim.

Duration of Disability

For a Social Security Disability Insurance claim, the duration of disability refers to the length of time your disability is expected to last or has already lasted. Here are some important points to understand about the duration of disability for an SSDI claim:

• Minimum Duration: To qualify for SSDI, your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death. This means that your impairment should prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for a period of at least one year.

• Prospective Duration: When evaluating your claim, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers medical evidence to determine the expected duration of your disability. This is typically based on medical records, doctor's opinions, and the nature of your condition. The SSA assesses whether your impairment is expected to last at least 12 months from the onset of the disability or has already lasted for that duration.

• Ongoing Review: If your claim is approved and you begin receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA may periodically review your case to assess if your disability is still present and if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. These reviews are conducted to ensure that individuals receiving benefits still have a qualifying disability that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

• Medical Improvement: If your condition shows signs of improvement and the SSA determines that you no longer meet the disability requirements, your benefits may be subject to termination or a continuation of benefits under a medical improvement review. However, certain medical conditions are considered "presumptively disabling" and may have special rules that affect the duration and review process.

It's important to provide the SSA with comprehensive medical documentation and evidence to support the expected duration of your disability when filing your SSDI claim. This includes medical records, treatment history, doctor's statements, test results, and any other relevant information that can demonstrate the severity and expected duration of your impairment.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding the duration of your disability or how it may impact your SSDI claim, it is advisable to consult with a disability attorney or advocate who can guide you through the application process and provide guidance specific to your situation.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits. The application process involves submitting an application, medical records, and other supporting documents to the SSA. The SSA will review your application and medical evidence to determine if you qualify for benefits.

If approved, you will receive monthly disability payments based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled. After receiving disability benefits for two years, you become eligible for Medicare healthcare coverage.



Contact Chambers Law Firm at 352-515-9464 for help with your claim.