Generally put, you qualify for monthly Social Security Disability Income/Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you worked in a job or jobs covered by Social Security and you have a medical condition that Social Security considers a disability.

This seems simple, but very specific definitions accompany the two aforementioned requirements, and can complicate your application process. If you have become disabled and cannot work, an experienced Nevada SSDI benefits attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for benefits and then help you through the application process.

But here is some general information that can help you in the meantime:

A person qualifies for SSDI if:

• They have a mental or physical condition that prevents them from working their current job, or any past jobs;
• Their condition is expected to last at least 1 year, or result in death;
• They are under the age of 65; and
• They have generally worked 5 out of the last 10 years as of the determined “start date” of the disability, although age affects the required years worked.

There are, of course, special circumstances that can alter any of the above qualification requirements.

If illness or injury is preventing you from earning a living, and will do so for at least one year, you can’t spend the time analyzing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definitions and exceptions to the rule. Consulting a Social Security disability attorney will ensure that you are well informed and make the process much easier.

Statistics on Social Security Disability in the United States

In 2020, approximately 8.6 million people received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, with an average disability benefit of $1,258 per month. The cost of SSDI payments for the same year amounted to nearly $144 billion. Furthermore, over 18% of disabled workers age 25 or older receive SSDI benefits in the United States. In Nevada, the average disability benefit was $1,381 per month in 2020.

These statistics only include people who have been approved for SSDI benefits and receiving them regularly. According to the SSA’s 2019 Annual Statistical Report, approximately 2.5 million out of 10 million initial applications (25%) were approved in 2019; this number is slightly lower than the prior year.

So, even though a large portion of applicants are approved for SSDI benefits, it’s important to understand that your initial application may be denied. In these cases, you may need to appeal the decision with the assistance of a Nevada Social Security disability lawyer.

What to Do If Your Are Denied?

If your application for SSDI benefits is denied, don’t lose hope. You may be able to appeal the decision and submit additional evidence to prove you qualify for disability benefits. The SSA will review your initial claim as well as any new medical evidence you submit with your appeal.

You must file an appeal within 60 days of the date of your denial. If you miss this deadline, you may have to start the entire application process over again from scratch.

You also must make sure that all documentation and forms are properly filled out and submitted on time in order for your appeal to be considered by the SSA. Hiring an experienced SSDI lawyer can help ensure that your appeal is handled correctly and that you receive the disability benefits you are entitled to.

If your disability prevents you from working, contact a Nevada Social Security Disability Insurance attorney today for help with filing an application or appealing a denied application. Your lawyer can provide valuable guidance throughout the process and help make sure your case is heard in court.

At Shook and Stone, our experienced Clark County Social Security disability benefits lawyers know how difficult it is for a person to be prevented from earning a living and providing for his or her family.

We help disabled workers get the Social Security benefits they deserve during their recovery. Call us today at 702-570-0000 for a consultation.