Most people don’t think about Social Security Disability claims until they are faced with a disability. Filing a disability claim is a long-term commitment that requires patience and plenty of records. As a rule, you can expect to wait a minimum of three to five months for approval if everything goes well. However, getting all medical and other records together for your application can extend the process longer. Benefits begin six months following approval.
The Social Security Administration has a five-step process for determining if someone is disabled and eligible for benefits. This SSD claim application guide will explain how it works.
Financial Eligibility
If you are currently employed doing a substantial gainful activity (SGA), SSA will not award benefits because you are not “disabled” in their eyes. The threshold for earnings in 2024 is $1,550 per month and $2,590 per month if you are blind.
If you earn more than this, you do not qualify for SSDI.
The Criteria Of Your Impairment
It’s not enough to say you’re disabled. You must show that your condition qualifies, demonstrate how you are disabled, and how it prevents you from working. Social Security awards disability for conditions that are expected to last 12 months or longer, or end in death. You may also apply if you have more than one condition that when combined, limits or inhibits your ability to work.
SSA will then review your medical records and determine if your condition is in the Listing of Impairments, and use that for ratings. You may also qualify with something equivalent if your condition is not in the Listing.
Conditions that are controllable with prescribed medication and allow you to work doing SGA may not qualify for disability, such as diabetes. If you have an impairment that is manageable and allows you to continue doing daily activities and SGA, you may not be awarded disability.
Your Prior Employment
If you can continue to work, SSA will not award disability. You’ll be examined by a physician who will determine your capabilities using a residual functional capability (RFC) document. This document measures your abilities to sit, stand, communicate, and finish a variety of job tasks. The results are compared to tasks from prior jobs you have had in the 15 years before your application.
Your Capacity For Gainful Employment
Once these steps are completed, SSA will seek to determine with the RFC what other types of employment you can perform. There is a final medical/vocational assessment that will determine what your capabilities are and what other work you can obtain and perform based on your age, abilities, education, gender, and career experience.
After going through this process, you may still be denied. Since you do have the right to appeal, we recommend working with a disability law attorney to increase your chances of a successful appeal.
Houston’s Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney
This SSD Claim Application Guide is a short primer into the long process of applying for SSDI.
The laws surrounding Social Security Disability claims are complex and the process can be difficult to maneuver. Many SSDI applications are denied the first time they are submitted. With an experienced disability law firm to help, you can get your application completed right the first time and have a better chance of receiving the benefits you deserve.
We’ve helped over 4,000 Houstonians get SSDI and other disability benefits. The Herren Law Firm in Houston, TX can assist with your application, appeals, and records gathering to prove your case and win your claim. Contact us today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no up-front fees, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
