One accident can leave an Ohio resident disabled and unable to work. When this happens, the person may have to deal with financial challenges. With no income, in addition to mounting medical bills, a person may lose everything they have in order to survive. Fortunately, there are Social Security Disability benefits that may be available, but obtaining them can be difficult.
The Social Security Administration has strict rules regarding the definition of "disabled." In order to be considered disabled, you must be unable to do your previous job, as well as any other type of work, due to your medical condition. In addition, the disability must last a minimum of one year, or it must be terminal.
Determining if you qualify for SSDI benefits is a five-question process. First, are you unable to work? If you are making more than $1,070 a month, you cannot be considered disabled. The condition must also be severe in nature. If it does not interfere with daily life or work activities, then you do not qualify. The next step is to see if your condition is listed as a disabling condition on the SSA's list. If not, the SSA will make a decision based on the information you provide. The SSA will then determine if your condition is so severe that you cannot do your previous job or any other type of work.
Besides meeting these requirements, you must also have worked a specific amount of time in order to qualify for benefits. Your eligibility is based on work credits. Each $1,200 you earn gains you one credit, and you can earn up to four in one year. You will need 40 credits altogether, with 20 of them earned in the 10 years before your disability. These requirements are very strict and it is easy to get denied, so be sure you fully understand what is expected of you.
Source: Social Security Administration, "Disability Planner: How We Decide If You Are Disabled," accessed Oct. 18, 2014
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