Social Security Disability Requirements

Do You Need an SSD Lawyer in Kansas City?

Getting Social Security disability benefits is all about being able to document and prove your disability in a manner that satisfies the Social Security Administration (SSA). Disabled workers who fail to properly convey this information to the SSA run the risk of not receiving any benefits.

At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we understand the anxiety that comes with getting old or becoming unable to work due to disability.

Our Kansas City Social Security disability attorneys are available to offer their experienced services to guide you through this complex legal process.

Factors the Social Security Administration Reviews

The Social Security Administration gives out financial benefits that disabled workers can access. The SSA uses an extensive process to determine who qualifies and what benefits they deserve.

Although each situation is unique, the following are common factors the SSA considers:

• The category of your disability
• The severity of your disability
• Whether you can work at all
• Whether you are working
• Whether you can return to your old job

Additionally, workers have to have a disability that meets with the SSA’s definition of a disability. Not all medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Difference Between SSDI & SSI

Disabled workers may be eligible for either Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The difference? SSDI benefits are awarded to individuals under 65 years of age who have worked a certain number of years and contributed to the Social Security trust fund in the form of FICA Social Security taxes, while SSI benefits are given to individuals on an as needed basis according to their income and assets.

Eligibility Requirements for SSDI

Certain requirements are in place for applicants to receive SSDI benefits.

They must be able to prove the following:

• That they have worked for 5 of the past 10 years
• Their disability must have lasted, or be expected to last longer than 12 months
• The disability must be expected to result in death
• They must be under the age of 65
• They must be unable to perform work or work-like activity

SSDI Requirements for Adults Disabled as a Child

An adult who was disabled as a child and whose parent's work history satisfies the SSA work credit requirements can receive SSDI disabled adult "child" benefits for as long as they are disabled without having the proper work history. In many cases, adults qualify if they:

• Were disabled before the age of 22
• Meet the SSA’s requirements for medical disability
• Have one parent who is retired, deceased or disabled under SSA guidelines

A child does not qualify for SSDI benefits until they become an adult. However, the disability must occur before they reached the age of 22. If an individual does not qualify for SSDI, they may still qualify for SSI.

For legal guidance regarding an SSD claim in Kansas City, contact us today at (816) 298-8708!

SSI Eligibility Requirements

In order for someone to be eligible to receive SSI benefits, they must have a limited income and resources, less than $2000 for a single person and $3000 for a couple. SSI is for elderly individuals as well as blind or disabled individuals of any age, including children.

In order for a child to qualify for SSI benefits, they must be under the age of 18, their disability meets the definition provided by the SSA, and his or her income and resources fall within eligibility limits. As with SSDI requirements for adults, a child’s disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, longer than 12 months, or the disability must be expected to result in death.

Contact Our Missouri Firm for Guidance!

At Peterson & Associates, P.C., our attorneys have extensive experience in dealing with Social Security’s maze of a legal procedure. When you choose a Social Security disability lawyer from our Kansas City firm, you can be confident you are choosing a compassionate, yet aggressive advocate who is committed to fighting for you.