BrittanyWinning approval for disability benefits provides increased income stability for millions of disabled Americans and their families. To be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a claimant must demonstrate that they are unable to perform full-time work, and their disability must be expected to last at least one year. There are two programs under which the SSA pays monthly benefits based on disabilities – Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
A New Jersey Disability Lawyer can explain how the disability affects your legal rights, and help you understand the complicated legal procedures involved in the Social Security Disability Insurance application process.
What is Social Security disability insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program. The SSDI program benefits disabled individuals and certain eligible family members if the disabled individuals have worked long enough and recently enough and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. To qualify for SSDI benefits, an applicant must have previously worked and accumulated enough work credits to meet qualification criteria.
Eligibility For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Self-employed people and those working for a company or an employer who have paid their taxes are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
The SSA determines eligibility based on work credits. In 2025, you will receive one work credit for every $1,810 you earn. To obtain the maximum four credits in a year, you must earn $7,240 in a year and pay the applicable Social Security taxes on the amount. You need to accumulate at least forty credits to receive SSDI benefits. Twenty of these credits must have been earned in the last ten years before you became disabled. The more earnings you claim on your tax returns, the higher your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) will be, which entitles you to higher SSDI benefits.
To file an SSDI claim through the SSA, a disability lawyer will fill out your application and provide medical documentation of your medical impairment that restricts you from working. You may also be required to sign release forms to allow the SSA to request any additional records that they might need to process and review your claim. As part of the SSDI application process, you must submit information about your work and medical history. The SSA might reduce your monthly benefit if you receive workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits. If you are initially denied SSDI, your lawyer will help to appeal by submitting new evidence, including the latest medical records. The SSA will then make a second ruling. If your appeal is denied, you can request to have your application reviewed by the Appeals Council. A disability lawyer can help you navigate this process effortlessly.
Contact A New Jersey Disability Lawyer
If you believe your physical or mental disability will last twelve months or longer and will prevent you from working a full-time job, you should contact a New Jersey disability lawyer to initiate a claim. A disability attorney understands the confusing rules, regulations, and qualifications and ensures you never miss a deadline.
Contact a New Jersey disability lawyer to schedule a free claim review.
