If you or a member of your family has experienced an injury or been diagnosed with a medical condition that prevents you or them from working and earning a living, you may be wondering what type of financial support is available. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may be available through the Social Security Administration office.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability

Through your employment, you make contributions to the SSA’s fund that provides SSDI benefits to qualifying persons. Providing these contributions is one part of qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits. Beyond that, however, you must meet the legal definition of being disabled before you can be approved to receive SSDI payments.

The disability determination process

Under the SSA are state agencies called Disability Determination Services. As the name implies, these entities hold the responsibility for determining whether or not a SSDI applicant meets the definition of being disabled. These agencies initially review materials provided on your claim, including documentation from your doctor or other medical providers. Should they feel that more information is needed, they do have the discretion to request an independent exam to collect more data.

If the Disability Determination Services fails to agree that you are disabled, you may appeal the decision. This same office may be the entity that reviews that appeal.

If you would like to learn more about how you or someone in your family may be able to qualify to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, please feel free to visit the disability determination page of our New Jersey disability benefits and claims website.