Your Right to Social Security Disability Benefits

When most people think of Social Security, they think of retirement, but Social Security is not just for retirees. The Social Security disability (SSD) program is for working people who have become disabled by injury, disease or a medical condition and are no longer able to work and support themselves.

Social Security pays a monthly check to people it determines are disabled. Your annual Social Security statement estimates the amount you will receive. Social Security disability (SSD) recipients are eligible to receive health care benefits through Medicare 29 months after the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines they are disabled.

Disability Insurance for Workers

Many people who qualify for Social Security disability are unaware that this program exists. They often do not realize that they have been paying into it their entire working lives. This is especially true in immigrant communities.

Social Security disability (SSD) isn't welfare; it is something you've earned by working. It's like an insurance policy that the government forced you to buy. Applying for Social Security disability (SSD) is the process of collecting the benefits of this insurance program that you paid for through your prior work.

Are You Disabled?

Not everyone is eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. You must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability and certain work-related requirements.

In general terms, SSA considers you disabled if:

• You cannot do work that you did before;
• You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

There are many rules and regulations in the disability program. Due to this complexity, it is better to contact our office to see if you might qualify.

Have You Worked Enough?

The Social Security Administration considers your age, how long you have worked and how recently you have worked when determining whether you qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Work eligibility is based on credits, which change every year. In general, however, if you are age 31 or older, you must have worked five out of the previous 10 years to be eligible to receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Young workers need fewer years of work to qualify.

Disabled people who do not meet the work requirements may be eligible to receive supplemental security income (SSI). Our lawyers can assist you with either program.

To discuss SSD and SSI claims or appeals, please call (215) 464-7200 or contact the attorneys of Chermol & Fishman, LLC, in Philadelphia. The initial consultation is free, and we never charge a fee until we win your case.

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