social security disability insurance application

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

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If you suffer from a medical condition that has rendered you unable to work, you may qualify for 

Social Security disability benefits. There are two types of Social Security disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In order to qualify for either program, you must have paid into the Social Security program in the past, and you must suffer from a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of a disability. 

Below is some additional information on how to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. 

Determining Disability 

Social Security defines disability differently than other programs. Social Security will only provide benefits for total disability. No benefits are available for short-term or partial disability. Social Security considers an individual disabled if: 

  • He or she can’t perform the type of work that he or she performed previously;
  • He or she can’t adjust to other work due to his or her medical condition(s); and
  • His or her disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least a year or result in death.

Work Requirements

In addition to meeting the above disability requirements, an individual must meet specific work requirements to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Under the Social Security disability program, an individual’s benefits are based on his or her work credits. Social Security work credits are based on a person’s annual wages or yearly self-employment income. An individual may earn up to four credits every year. The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. The number of work credits required to qualify for Social Security disability benefits is dependent upon the individual’s age when he or she becomes disabled.

Special Circumstances

Most people who qualify for Social Security disability benefits meet the criteria described above.  However, there are some exceptional circumstances under which an individual who does not meet the above criteria may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits, including: 

  • The individual is blind or has low vision.
  • The individual is a disabled child.
  • The individual is the spouse of a deceased disabled worker.
  • The individual is a wounded veteran.

Contact Our El Paso SSDI and SSI Attorney 

If you live in Texas and are unable to work due to a medical condition, you should contact an experienced  Texas SSDI and SSI attorney as soon as possible to determine your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. When you choose Jon Sipes to handle your SSDI or SSI claim, he will utilize his extensive knowledge of the Social Security disability benefits system to ensure that your SSDI or SSI application paints a compelling picture of your need for benefits. As a long-time SSDI and SSI attorney, Jon Sipes knows what it takes to qualify under the SSDI and SSI programs. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.