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Social Security Disability Benefits Requirements

If you’ve suffered a disability, you may wonder whether you qualify for social security disability benefits. Not everyone qualifies, so read the following sections carefully to learn whether your situation applies.

Social Security’s Definition of Disability

Social security’s definition of disability differs from other institutions in the sense that social security only recognizes total disability. No benefits will be paid out for partial or short-term disabilities.

Under social security guidelines, you are considered disabled if:

  • You’re unable to perform duties you were previously able to
  • The office determines that you’re unable to adapt to other work due to your ailment(s); and
  • Your ailment has lasted or will last for at least one year, or will result in death

How Long You May Receive Benefits

Social security typically pays monthly benefits to recipients who are not able to perform their regular working duties for a year or more due to a disability. You may receive benefits until you are able to perform your regular working duties again.

If you reach full retirement age while you’re still receiving social security disability benefits, your benefits will automatically transfer into retirement benefits, although the amount you receive will not change.

How Much You’ll Need to Work

In order to receive social security disability benefits, you must work for a period of time and pay into the benefits program. You are able to earn up to four credits per year through your total yearly wages or self-employment income.

The number of credits you need is dependant upon the age in which you need to use the benefits. In general, recipients tend to require 40 credits, 20 of which had been earned in the last 10 years and end on the year you become disabled. However, if you are younger when you require benefits, the amount you need may be lower.

If you have become disabled and require social security disability benefits, our experienced professionals at Rubin & Badame, Attorneys at Law can help. Our attorneys have helped many other people just like you. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your case right away.

Call the Pennsylvania lawyers at Rubin & Badame, Attorneys at Law today at (610) 595-4917 to speak with an accomplished attorney about your case.

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