Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Supplemental Security Income or SSI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to those that are considered disabled and unable to work. If you or a loved one is disabled and unable to work, then you may qualify for SSDI disability benefits. The best way to determine whether or not you qualify is to contact a SSI MN lawyer about your legal rights.

Who is Eligible for SSI?

Children and adults that are considered ‘disabled’ are eligible for benefits under the SSI program. In order to qualify for SSI you will need to demonstrate one of the following:

  • That you are aged (65 or over)
  • That you are blind
  • That you are disabled

You will also need to:

  • Have a limited income
  • Have limited resources
  • Be a US Citizen and resident
  • Meet certain other restrictions

Who is Not Eligible for SSI?

You may not be eligible for SSI in the following instances:

  • If you are a fugitive felon
  • If you are in prison or in jail
  • If you give away resources in order to qualify
  • If you are in any type of public institution, such as a hospital or nursing home, for longer than a month

Can I Receive SSDI Disability Benefits?

Although we cannot tell you whether or not your application will be approved or denied, we can inform you about the various steps involved in MN SSDI disability. Below is a five step questionnaire that can also help you determine your eligibility:

1)       Are you working? If you are working and are earning more than $860 per month, then you will not qualify for SSI disability benefits.

2)       Is your condition impacting your work related activities? Can you continue to do the work that you were doing previously? If it does not, your social security benefits eligibility will be denied.

3)       Is your condition long lasting? Your medical condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death in order to qualify for SSDI.

4)       Do you have a medical condition listed as a disabled impairment? Social Security keeps a list of various impairments that automatically qualify for SSDI.

The list of impairments includes disabilities in the following categories:

  • Musculoskeletal
  • Special Senses
  • Respiratory System
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Digestive System
  • Genito-urinary System
  • Hemic and Lymphatic System
  • Skin, Endocrine System
  • Multiple Body Systems
  • Neurological, Mental disorders
  • Neoplastic diseases
  • Immune System

If your condition is not listed on one of these lists, then you can still qualify for SSDI benefits if Social Security deems your disability of equal severity to the impairments on the list.

5)       Are you able to do any other work available in the economy?  If you are unable to work at your previous job but are able to find work in another industry, then your SSI application will be denied. In order to determine whether you are capable of finding other work Social Security will investigate your age, education, work experience and job skills in relation to the job demands as outlined by the Department of Labor.

Minnesota SSI Disability Lawyers

If you or your loved one is disabled, blind or aged then you know how hard it is to keep up with the incoming bills. If you do not have an income coming in, it can be harder than ever to not only take care of yourself and remain out of debt. If you are confused about your SSI benefits or looking for more information about your legal rights, then contact Reitan Law Office. Our Minnesota disability lawyers have been helping Minnesotans for more than 30 years and would be happy to discuss your SSI disability benefits with you. We can assist with any medical claims, legal complications and SSI denials that you may be facing. There is no charge to meet with us and ask your questions.

We provide two convenient locations to choose from. Call 507-388-1800 in Mankato or 952-448-2800 in Twin Cities and speak to a qualified and compassionate Minnesota SSI disability benefits lawyer attorney today!