Non-Medical Requirements for Disability Benefits
In addition to proving you have medical condition that qualifies for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration also determines whether you meet non-medical qualifications for SSDI or SSI. While disability medical requirements involve claimants submitting documentation providing irrefutable evidence of a chronic disease or disorder, approving someone for SSDI or SSI is based on how much that person has paid into the SSA’s retirement system.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Disability payments based on how many work credits you have earned is called Social Security Disability Insurance. You accumulate work credits by paying SS taxes through employment. The most work credits you are allowed to earn in one year is four work credits. Legal SSDI requirements include:
- Having a health condition that is expected to cause death or prevents you from working for at least one year.
- Having a medical issue that meets the SSA’s criteria of a disabling condition.
- Having worked for at least five out of the past 10 years. Wages earned during the past decade must have paid into Social Security.
- Being between 21 and 65 years of age. Depending on the year a claimant was born, retirement age may be considered 66 or 67 years of age.
You may also be eligible to receive SSDI while being employed but cannot make more than $1220 a month. In addition, people collecting SSDI may earn unlimited income from interest, investments or spousal income.
What are Non-medical Requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
People applying for disability benefits who have not earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI may be approved for SSI. Meant for low-income, disabled individuals, SSI eligibility also depends on your monthly income, if applicable. How much a person receives from SSI depends on if they work part-time, receive money from other sources or live someplace where they do not pay for rent or food.
Understanding disability medical requirements and legal SSDI requirements is complicated and time-consuming. For immediate assistance with your disability benefits claim, call London Eligibility Office today to schedule an appointment with an experienced disability attorney.