Social Security Disability Overview

June 19th, 2012

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal benefits program that provides aid to people that suffer from a permanent disabling condition and are therefore unable to achieve gainful employment.

In order to qualify for SSDI, your permanent disabling condition must prevent you from working, which means that the disability must last a minimum of twelve months and that you cannot earn an income greater than $1,000 per month. SSDI is financed by Social Security tax, so to qualify a person must have a fairly constant work history and have worked five to ten years combined before becoming disabled. To be considered disabled you must meet the following standards:

• You cannot perform your previous job.
• You cannot change to another occupation because of your medical condition.
• Your medical condition must last for at least a year or result in death.

SSDI benefits are based on the specific criteria listed above, so even if your doctor deems you disabled, it does not automatically qualify for disability benefits. The number of applicants for SSDI is at an all time high, so due to the limited resources more than 60% of applications are denied in the initial stage, and in the appeals stage the number is well over 80%. Some reasons why claims for disability benefits may be denied include:

• If the claimant is currently working
• If there is not enough medical evidence to support a disabling condition
• If the claimant does not regularly treat with a physician
• If the application is not completed properly

Due to the statistics and these reasons, it is beneficial to have a qualified Social Security attorney to aid you in handling your application. Attorneys have previous experience in working with the Social Security Administration (SSA), so they can help with the initial application process and also enumerate your options in the case of a preliminary denial.

At Pulgini & Norton, we represent clients in the Boston area and through the Eastern Massachusetts counties of Norfolk, Bristol, Middlesex and Worcester. We help them to successfully negotiate the process of applying for social security disability benefits by providing a range of services including:

• Filing the initial claim
• Gathering the required medical documentation
  
• Reconsideration hearings
• Administrative appeals

With nearly 40 years of combined experience with SSDI claims, we have a thorough understanding of the law, as well as the technical and procedural aspects that can affect the outcome of your case. For more information regarding your Social Security Disability claim please contact us at (781) 843-2200 or 781-843-2200, or email us.

About SSDI