Social Security Disability

A Social Security disability claimant will be deemed totally disabled if they are unable to perform any work suited to their skills, with this condition either lasting or expected to last for a minimum of one year, or leading to death. The disability may arise from a physical or mental condition, or a combination of multiple such conditions. If the claimant is determined to be totally disabled, Social Security benefits will continue as long as the claimant remains in this state.

There is no age limit for receiving Social Security disability benefits. If the claimant is 65 years old and receiving disability benefits, those benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits.

Who is Eligible for Disability Benefits?

Family members of the claimant may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits based on the claimant’s work history, including children under 18 years old, or up to 19 if they are enrolled full-time in high school, unmarried children 18 or older who became disabled before age 22, and spouses aged 62 or older. Benefits for children are typically provided under SSI.

SSI offers financial support to disabled individuals in need, regardless of age, including children. Under SSI regulations, children qualify as disabled if they experience a physical or mental condition that significantly limits their functional capabilities. Like adults, the child's condition must persist or be anticipated to persist for at least twelve (12) months, or be expected to lead to the child’s death. The amount of SSI benefits available to a disability claimant is determined by their assets and income. If married, the Social Security Administration will also consider the income and assets of the claimant’s spouse when assessing eligibility for SSI disability payments.

Over 60% of initial claims for Social Security disability are denied.

There are various reasons for the denial of Social Security disability claims:

• Essential information may be missing from the application

• Medical records may be insufficient

• The case may not be articulated clearly

Statistics indicate that the likelihood of receiving benefits increases when claims or appeals are managed by a professional experienced in SSDI and SSI matters.