When you’ve been hurt and are no longer able to work, it can be hard to know how to move forward with your life. You may find yourself struggling to pay your bills and wondering how you are going to support yourself and your family. For workers who have accumulated enough work experience, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program may be the answer to their financial woes following a life-altering injury.
Unfortunately, however, many workers are unsure whether or not they qualify for SSDI, causing them to miss out on much needed benefits. Read on to learn how to know if you qualify for social security disability and find out how an SSDI attorney can help.
Testing the Duration of Your Work
To receive SSDI benefits you must pass two tests, the first of which is known as the Duration of Work Test. This test examines your work history to determine that you’ve paid into Social Security for enough time during your work career. Passing the Duration of Work Test is based on the age at which you became disabled and how many years of Social Security payments you made prior to that.
It’s important to note that the amount of work experience you need directly correlates to your age at the time of your injury, with the maximum required experience being ten years for someone 62 years of age.
Examining Your Recent Work History
The second test you must pass is known as the Recent Work Test, which stipulates that you must have worked for at least five years over the ten-year period prior to the disability ending your career. The Recent Work Test was developed with younger workers in mind who did not have the opportunity to have long careers. Passing the Recent Work Test is slightly more complicated as it is based on a calendar quarter system.
Your SSDI attorney can help you better understand the Recent Work Test and answer any questions you may have.
Eligibility of Family Members
If you pass both tests and qualify for Social Security disability benefits, then you should know it is also possible for select family members to receive benefits due to your history. Family members with the potential to receive benefits include spouses who are 62 or older, a former spouse providing care for a disabled child under 16, and any child under the age of 18 or who is 19 but in college.
Dr. Bill LaTour Is Here To Help With SSDI
Workers whose career has ended due to an unforeseen disability have a long road ahead of them trying to find a way to support themselves financially. The SSDI program was designed with these individuals in mind. However, many who apply for SSDI find the process difficult to navigate and may even be denied the benefits they so desperately need.
Dr. Bill LaTour has been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area get the disability benefits they need for years. Give us a call at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation today.
