Social Security Disability—or SSDI—is a government program operated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This program exists to provide financial support to those who are no longer able to maintain employment due to an injury or illness.
Not everyone qualifies for SSDI benefits. There are limits based on your prior work history, and you must be able to establish that you are disabled. Thankfully, dedicated injury attorney Steven L. Schepps could assist with that process. To discuss your potential claim with a Springfield Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer, reach out today.
Who Can Recover SSDI Benefits?
Social Security Disability exists to support workers who are unable to maintain employment due to injury or illness for at least a year. These benefits are paid with the proceeds of payroll taxes, which is the reason they are limited to individuals who have a substantial work history.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) measures work history using something known as “work credits.” A person can earn as many as four work credits in a calendar year if they work at least 40 hours per week. An individual with 40 work credits in the past ten years is entitled to full benefits through SSDI if they are disabled.
In addition to the work history component, an applicant must also be able to show that they are disabled. This disabling illness or injury must be fully disabling and likely to last for at least a single year or result in death. An SSDI lawyer could help an individual in Springfield establish their disability in order to get the benefits they need.
Am I Allowed to Work While on SSDI?
A person receiving SSDI could return to work while receiving these benefits under limited circumstances. These benefits are intended to provide for those who are unable to support themselves through work. For that reason, the ability to work full-time would render a person ineligible for SSDI benefits. Usually, this means recipients can work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
There are also provisions for recipients that might be able to return to the workforce but are uncertain if they can keep up full-time due to their condition. If a person believes their condition has improved to the degree where they can return to the workforce, SSDI provides a nine-month trial period that allows a worker to test out their return to work without jeopardizing their benefits. A Springfield Social Security Disability attorney could help with navigating this trial period.
Can I Appeal a Denied Claim?
Denials can be frustrating, but they do not have to cost you SSDI benefits. It is possible to appeal a denial and secure benefits on the appellate level. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Springfield could assist with the appeals process.
It is helpful to remember that an appeal could be useful outside of the denied claim. While appeals are often related to a denial, it is also possible to appeal a claim based on the improper amount of benefits provided by the SSA. An SSDI attorney could provide clear guidance on when an appeal is necessary.
Call a Springfield Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney Immediately
If you are disabled and unable to work, SSDI benefits might be the answer to your financial issues. These benefits could replace the wages you would have earned.
Let a Springfield Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lawyer help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Set up your free consultation today to get started.