If you have an injury or illness, you may have received benefits through a program or a legal settlement. But if the problem lingers and is impacting your ability to work, you may need to look for a longer-term solution.
One option is to look into Social Security Disability benefits. However, you need to be aware the requirements to qualify are rather strict. For this reason, you need to be aware of the requirements and make sure you meet them prior to applying. Otherwise, you may be wasting your time with the application.
Work requirements
The first thing you must ensure before filing is that you meet the work requirements. The Social Security Administration explains disability benefits are only available to people who worked for them. You need to have a specific number of work credits earned based on the money you have earned from work.
Medical requirements
You must also meet the medical requirements, which are incredibly strict. You must have a health condition that will last for at least one year or result in your death. The condition must make you unable to earn a substantial living. The SSA defines this as substantial gainful activity. SGA means you earn over a certain amount in a month. The amount changes each year, but it is usually a very small limit. You should not be able to work a full-time job or do the same work you did prior to your health condition.
Understand that qualifying for disability is not an easy process. You should not apply unless you are sure you meet the requirements.
