If you have a Social Security issue or claim, HACH & ROSE can help you. We maintain counsel to assist you in filing for your Social Security Disability benefits. If your benefits are controverted our SSD counsel will fight hard to preserve your right to benefits. We only get paid if we are successful in your claim. Click here if you have have or are interested in filing a Social Security Disability claim.

How You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

To qualify for benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. In general, Social Security pays monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.

Benefits usually continue until you are able to work again on a regular basis. There are also a number of special rules, called “work incentives,” that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work.

If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach age 65, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.

How Much Work Do You Need?

In addition to meeting the Social Security’s definition of disability, you must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits.

Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year. The amount needed for a credit changes from year to year. In 2001, for example, you earn one credit for each $830 of wages or self-employment income. When you’ve earned $3,320, you’ve earned your four credits for the year. For 2002, the amount for one credit increases to $870, and to $3,480 for the maximum four credits.

The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Your Continuing Eligibility for Benefits . . .

In most cases, you will continue to receive benefits as long as you are disabled. However, there are certain circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility for disability benefits. For example, your health may improve to the point where you are no longer disabled. Or, like many people, you would like to go back to work rather than depend on your disability benefits. Social Security has special rules called “work incentives” that can help you make the transition back to work. These incentives include, but are not limited to, continued monthly benefits and Medicare coverage while you attempt to work on a full-time basis.

The law requires that Social Security reviews your case from time to time to verify that you are still disabled. They will tell you if it is time to review your case, and they continue to keep you informed about your benefit status. You should also be aware that you are responsible for letting us know if your health improves or you go back to work.