Before you even begin the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must confirm that you meet its eligibility requirements. Notably, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has an established set of qualifications for these benefits. Continue reading to learn what these qualifications are and how an experienced attorney of SSDI eligibility in New Jersey, from The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur, can help you in this determination.
What requirements do I need to fulfill for an SSDI claim?
First of all, you must have a physical or mental disability to qualify for an SSDI claim. More specifically, the SSA considers a disability to be a “medically determinable impairment,” in which a physician can diagnose an impairment that is lasting and significant enough to prevent you from gainful employment. Further, the eligible physical conditions and mental conditions that are considered to be medically determinable impairments are as follows:
- Physical conditions:
- Certain types of cancers.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord and orthopedic injuries.
- Inflammatory arthritis.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Ehlers Danlos.
- Chronic Regional Pain syndrome.
- Mental conditions:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Autism spectrum.
- Early-onset dementia.
- Learning and cognitive disorders.
Secondly, your condition must have prevented you from completing basic work-related tasks (i.e., walking, standing, sitting, lifting, retaining information, etc) that have lasted or are expected to last at least 12 months. With this, your condition must prevent you from completing work you have done in the past or any other type of work. To prove this, you must include examinations, operative reports, tests, lab work, etc. in your SSDI claim.
What are the other qualifications for an SSDI claim?
The second main requirement for SSDI eligibility is related to your current work situation. That is, in 2023, the SSA will consider it a “substantial gainful activity” if you are earning more than $1,470 per month. Participating in substantial gainful activity means that you will not qualify for an SSDI claim. The SSA will make this determination based on the following tests:
- The recent work test: this test looks at whether you worked a certain amount of time, based on your age and the time you became disabled.
- The duration of work test: this test looks at whether you worked a minimum number of years based on your age.
You must include all the necessary information in your SSDI claim so that the SSA can make an accurate determination. The slightest error may just get your application wrongfully denied.
We understand just how complicated this application process can be. So, if you require legal assistance, reach out to a skilled SSDI eligibility attorney today. We look forward to working with you.
