For individuals dealing with serious health issues or life-limiting disabilities, Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits can offer a much-needed lifeline. Qualifying for SSDI is complex, and it's not uncommon for an applicant to be overwhelmed by the intricacies and requirements of the application process. To help clarify the guidelines for receiving Social Security Disability, you should be informed about SSDI and its eligibility requirements.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability: 3 Factors to Consider 

1. You Must Have a Certain Number of Work Credits

SSDI is a federal program funded by taxpayers. A certain amount of money is withheld from workers' paychecks and paid into the SSDI system. The first requirement for receiving SSDI is working at a job or jobs in which you previously paid into this system. Depending on how many years you held these jobs, a number of work credit hours are assigned. The work credit hours determine how much (if any) money you are eligible to receive.

2. You Must Have a Qualifying Medical Condition

Another eligibility requirement for SSDI is the documented presence of a chronic, ongoing, life-limiting medical condition. The SSDI application asks for extensive details regarding your health, your medical history, and the health care providers you currently see and have seen in the past. Saying you are disabled is not enough; there must be documented evidence and clinical proof—SSDI will investigate these matters thoroughly before making a decision.

3. You Generally Must Be Unable to Work in Any Capacity

If you seek disability but are still employed, or you are employed at a job with different or lessened responsibilities, you may encounter issues with getting approved for SSDI. Your ability to work- in any capacity, at any job is the focus. If you’re well enough to work in some way, shape, or form, SSDI may very well determine that you are not disabled.

Let Social Security Disability attorney C. Roland Krueger, Attorney and Counselor at Law, help you through the application or appeals process. For 38 years, Attorney Krueger has represented Lexington, North Carolina, clients in SSDI, bankruptcy and debt relief, and traffic ticket issues. Call (336) 248-8464, or visit him online to schedule an initial consultation.