3 Factors That Affect Your Social Security Disability Claim

Posted on: 27 November 2017

If you have a physical disability that impacts your ability to work full time or pull down a decent salary, one way to supplement your income is by applying for Social Security disability benefits. There are limits on the work you can do, such as:

#1 Working

You can work and still receive Social Security Administration Benefits. There are income limits that you cannot exceed each month in order to qualify for Social Security Administration Benefits. The amount is different based on if you are blind or not blind. If you are not blind, you can bring in $1,170 per month. If you are blind, you can bring in $1,950 per month and still qualify for SSA benefits. If you exceed those earning limits, you may not qualify for SSA benefits.

However, it is not just about how much you make; it is about the type of work that you do. If you are engaged in really physically strenuous work, the SSA may determine that you do not qualify for disability benefits based on the level of physical activity that you engage. If your job does not require you to be that physically active or your job makes a lot of accommodations for your disability, that could help your SSD case.

#2 Disability

Social Security based disability payments are based on the idea that you are completely disabled. Social Security disability payments are not based on the idea that you are partially disabled.

To be completely disabled, according to the Social Security Administration, you have to have a disability that will last for more than a year, or have a condition that is terminal. You have to be at a particular activity level to qualify for SSAB.

You don't have to qualify on the basis of just one disability. If you have multiple disabilities that together limit your physical activity and your ability to work, that is another way in which you can qualify for SSA benefits. If you have multiple disabilities, it is best to work with an attorney who has experience with SSA claims to help you present this information in a manner that demonstrated your limited capacity.

#3 Family

If you end up qualifying for SSA benefits, your family may also be disability benefits as well. For example, if you have a child, they can also receive a certain level of benefits per month. This amount is less than the amount that you get, but can be used to help supplement taking care of your child. Your spouse could also receive benefits if they are of retirement age or are taking care of a young child. If you have family members, be sure to let your attorney know so they can see if your family also qualifies for disability benefits based on your qualification for benefits.

How much you work and how much your disability impacts your ability to do physical work both affect your chances of qualifying for SSA benefits. If you do qualify, check and see if your family qualifies for additional support as well. Be sure to work with an attorney with experience in SSA claims to help you navigate this complicated process. 

Contact local social security disability attorneys for more information and assistance. 

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