Originally published by thompsonlawtx.com.
If you are unable to work because of an impairment or disability, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The Social Security disability insurance program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). As you work, you pay a portion of your wages into the system through FICA taxes. The amount you may receive for disability benefits is based on your average earnings as you paid into the Social Security system. If you have questions about how much you may receive in Social Security benefits, you can consult with a Texas Social Security disability insurance lawyer who can explain more about how to estimate your benefits.
Is It Difficult to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance in Texas?
The Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program is a federal program; therefore, the qualifications for SSDI are based on federal guidelines. However, you apply for disability benefits in the state in which you reside. Therefore, if you are a Texan, you can apply for SSDI benefits at your local Texas Social Security Administration office. You may also apply by calling SSA or by completing an application online at the SSA website. You can also contact a Texas Social Security disability insurance attorney to help you with your application.
Is It Difficult to Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance in Texas?
You must meet all requirements set by the SSA to qualify for SSDI benefits. SSDI is a disability program for individuals who worked in jobs covered by Social Security. In other words, you must have paid into the system to qualify for SSDI. If you do not qualify for SSDI, you might qualify for SSI, which is a disability program for low-income individuals who do not qualify for SSDI benefits.
Below is a short overview of the three basic requirements every applicant must meet before he or she can receive Social Security disability benefits under SSDI.
1. Paying Into the System
As mentioned above, the first requirement is that you have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and paid taxes into the system. Self-employed individuals may also qualify for SSDI if they have paid self-employment taxes into the Social Security system.
2. Work Credits
Once the SSA establishes that you have worked and paid into the Social Security system through your taxes, it will review the number of work credits you have earned. Work credits are earned based upon your wages. You can earn up to four work credits per year. The amount of income required to earn one credit is adjusted each year. For 2018, you earn one work credit for each $1,320 in income you earn.
In most cases, an individual must have a minimum of 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI. Twenty of the work credits must have been earned within the last 10 years before becoming disabled. However, younger individuals may qualify with fewer than 40 work credits.
3. Definition of Disability
You must meet the definition of being disabled according to the SSA standards to qualify for social security disability insurance. Disability is defined as:
- The inability to continue performing the work you did before because of a medically determinable mental or physical impairment;
- You are unable to adjust to another type of work because of your impairment; and,
- Your impairment has lasted for at least one year, is expected to last for at least one year, or result in your death.
Proving that your impairment qualifies as a disability is the toughest part of the qualification process for SSDI. A Texas social security disability insurance attorney can assist you in gathering information to prove your impairment qualifies as a disability under SSA guidelines.
Contact a Texas Social Security Disability Insurance Lawyer for More Information
If you have questions, contact the Law Office of Carey Thompson today to discuss your options with a Texas Social Security disability insurance lawyer.
Curated by Texas Bar Today. Follow us on Twitter @texasbartoday.
from Texas Bar Today http://bit.ly/2V7ARFv
via Abogado Aly Website
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