Minnesota SSDI Work Requirements
Studies have found that a 20-year-old worker has a three in 10 chance of becoming disabled before their retirement. This is a scary thing to consider. Although most workers do not worry about becoming disabled when they go to work every day, they do pay a certain amount of their income to Social Security Insurance. If you have become disabled and are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal program that provides benefits to workers who have become disabled. You may also be eligible for SSI, a federal disability program for people who are disabled and also meet income and resource qualifications.
Living with any disability is hard enough without the added financial stress of not having an income. If you are living with a disability and believe that you may qualify for SSDI, or if your application has been denied, then contact our experienced Minnesota Social Security disability lawyers today by filling out the form on the side of this page or phoning one of our office numbers.
SSDI “Disability” Defined
Social Security has a very strict definition of “disability.” In order to be considered disabled you typically must have a medical conditions that:
- Has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or will result in your death
- Prevents the disabled person from engaging in any substantial gainful activity
- Meets or equals a listed impairment
SSDI Disability Medical Conditions
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration. There is a five-step evaluation process the Social Security Administration uses to determine if you are disabled. It is summarized below:
- Are you working? If you are working and your average monthly earnings are over a certain threshold level, then Social Security will not consider you disabled. The threshold level changes from year to year.
- Do you have a severe impairment? Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, the Social Security Administration will find that you are not disabled.
- Does your disabling condition meet a listing? For each of the major body systems, the Social Security Administration maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe that they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if your condition is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, then they will find that you are disabled.
- Can you do the work you previously did? If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then Social Security must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied.
- Can you do other types of work? If you cannot do the work you did in the past, Social Security will see if you are able to adjust to other work. The Social Security Administration will consider your medical conditions, your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim should be approved.
Minnesota SSDI Work Requirements
In order to qualify for SSDI you will need to demonstrate a disability and have enough work credit under Social Security law. This means you will need to have worked a certain period of time before your disability.
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 but also remain out of debt. If you are confused about your Social Security Disability benefits or are looking for more information about your legal rights, then contact Reitan Law Office, PLLC. Our Minnesota disability lawyers have been helping Minnesotans for more than 40 years and would be happy to discuss your disability benefits with you. There is no charge to meet with us and ask your questions.
We provide three convenient locations to choose from. Call us at 507-388-1800 in Mankato, 701-581-7854 for our Fargo office, 952-448-2800 for our Chaska office, and 612-424-6011 for our Minneapolis office and speak to a qualified and compassionate Minnesota SS disability benefits attorney today!