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Qualified Alabama residents unable to work because of a physical or mental condition can possibly receive social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, the SSDI approval rate is low. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), 63 percent of SSDI applications are denied. Anyone applying for these benefits has to meet all of the requirements.
Do you qualify for SSDI?
The SSA is strict about Social Security disability requirements. You will not receive SSDI if you fail to meet the requirements. First, you’ll need to have worked jobs covered by social security. Second, you’ll need a mental or physical condition that is considered a disability by the SSA.
Work requirement
You need social security work credits to qualify for SSDI. For example, if you apply for SSDI before the age of 24, you’ll need six work credits earned in a 3-year period before your disability.
Another example is if you apply for SSDI when you’re at least 31 years old or older, you’ll need 20 work credits in the 10 years prior to your disability. Work credits depend on your yearly wages or self-employed income. You can earn up to 4 credits in a year, but the income you must earn to get a credit will change yearly.
Disability requirement
The SSA only pays for total disability. If you’re partially disabled or have a short-term disability, the SSA will deny your SSDI request. The SSA will review your disability and decide if it falls within the SSA definition of disability.
Your disability must make it impossible for you to work or find gainful employment. The disability must also make it impossible for you to do work you’ve previously done. It must also make it impossible to learn a new skill because your disability prevents it.
Another requirement is that you must have had the disability for at least one year. If you haven’t had the disability for a year, you must expect to have it for at least a year or result in death.
If you meet the SSA work credits and disability requirements, you are possibly eligible for SSDI. You can apply online or visit your local SSA office.
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