Fort Worth Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer

Do You Qualify For SSDI Benefits?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides benefits in situations where a person is unable to maintain employment due to a disabling medical condition. To qualify for SSDI, a person must have worked for a certain period of time and paid Social Security taxes. In addition, the person must have a disabling medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. If a person meets these criteria, they may be eligible for SSDI benefits. The amount of the benefit is based on the person's previous earnings, and the payments are typically made monthly.

If you are disabled due to a serious illness or injury or any other physical or mental conditions that have affected your ability to earn a sufficient income to support yourself and your family, disability benefits may be crucial for preserving your financial well-being. However, applying for SSDI benefits can be complicated, and claims are commonly denied. To ensure that you can successfully receive the disability benefits you need, the Fort Worth Social Security disability lawyers at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd will assist you throughout the SSDI application process or provide you with legal representation as you appeal the denial of a Social Security disability claim. We will do everything possible to ensure that you will be able to obtain the maximum amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

Eligibility for SSDI

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have a condition that is considered to be a total disability. There are many different types of disabilities that can qualify you for SSDI benefits. Some common examples include musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, vision impairments, mental illnesses, and chronic health conditions such as cancer. Your condition must have affected you for at least 12 months, it must be expected to continue to affect you for at least one year, or it must be expected to result in your death. You will need to provide medical evidence of your disability to the Social Security Administration.

Your ability to receive Social Security Disability Insurance will also be based on the amount of time you have worked while paying Social Security taxes. You can earn up to four work credits per year, and each work credit represents a certain amount of income earned during that year, with this amount being adjusted on an annual basis. Most individuals meet this qualification if they have accumulated at least 40 work credits, and 20 of those credits must have been earned in the 10 years before they became disabled. If you have worked full-time for at least 10 years, and you paid Social Security taxes, you will most likely meet the requirements to qualify for SSDI.

If you are eligible for SSDI, the specific amount of disability benefits that you will receive will be based on an indexed (or adjusted) average of your highest years of income over the course of your career, typically up to 35 years of earnings. That amount is then adjusted according to a PIA formula, which determines how much you can receive. The PIA formula will change according to changes in the average wage index, but the maximum monthly benefit is generally capped at just over $3,300 per month.

Contact Our Fort Worth SSDI Application Lawyers

SSDI benefits are often the best option for people who need financial assistance due to a temporary or permanent disability. However, the process of applying for these benefits can be complicated. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can also help you navigate the application process and make sure you obtain the benefits you deserve. Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience in these types of cases, and we know how to navigate the application process, respond to the denial of benefits and address any other issues that you may encounter. Call 972-671-9922 or contact us online to set up a free case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers today.