Do you want to know whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits? At The Law Center for Social Security Disability in Oklahoma City, I can review your case and determine if you are eligible. Keep in mind that if you have already applied and been denied, that does not necessarily mean you are not eligible.
Contact me to get experienced legal assistance from an
Oklahoma City Social Security Benefits attorney.
Why Choose Us at The Law Center for Social Security Disability
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in your Social Security Disability claim. At The Law Center for Social Security Disability, we are dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve. Our individualized approach, decades of experience, and commitment to supporting you every step of the way set us apart.
With years of experience handling Social Security Disability cases, our team knows how to navigate even the most complex claims. We have helped countless individuals overcome the challenges of the claims process and secure the benefits they need. Our knowledge of the SSA’s requirements allows us to anticipate potential obstacles and address them effectively.
We are with you every step of the way, from the initial application to appealing a denied claim if necessary. Our team assists with gathering medical records, completing paperwork, and ensuring that your claim is well-supported. This comprehensive support gives you the confidence to focus on your health while we handle the legal details of your case.
How Does The Social Security Administration Define a Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as a condition that prevents you from working and performing basic job responsibilities. To qualify, your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA’s Five-Step Process
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine whether you meet its definition of disability. Each step evaluates a different aspect of your condition and your ability to work. Below is a breakdown of this evaluation process:
- Are You Currently Working? – The SSA first examines whether you are engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you are earning more than the SGA limit, which changes annually, your application will likely be denied.
- Is Your Condition Severe? – Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as lifting, standing, or remembering instructions. A condition that is not severe or does not last at least 12 months will not meet the SSA’s criteria.
- Does Your Condition Match a Listed Impairment? – The SSA checks whether your condition matches or is equivalent to one listed in the Blue Book. If it does, your claim may be approved at this stage without further evaluation.
- Can You Perform Your Previous Work? – The SSA considers whether your condition prevents you from performing the work you’ve done in the past. If you can still perform your previous job, your claim may be denied.
- Can You Adjust to Other Work? – If you cannot return to your previous work, the SSA evaluates whether you can adjust to other types of work based on your age, education, and transferable skills. If you are unable to perform any work, you may qualify for disability benefits.
The Role of the SSA Blue Book
The Social Security Administration’s Blue Book outlines specific medical conditions that automatically meet its definition of disability. This guide includes both physical and mental impairments, along with the criteria that must be met for each condition to qualify. Having a condition listed in the Blue Book can streamline the application process by demonstrating that your disability meets the SSA’s strict standards.
For example, musculoskeletal disorders like spinal injuries or arthritis have detailed requirements in the Blue Book. Mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder also must meet specific criteria, including documentation of symptoms and functional limitations. If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify by providing medical evidence that demonstrates the severity of your impairment and how it prevents you from working.
Disabilities That Are Not Listed
Even if your medical condition is not included in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still qualify for disability benefits. The SSA evaluates unlisted conditions by considering how they impact your ability to work. To be eligible, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.
For example, chronic pain disorders or rare illnesses may not have specific listings in the Blue Book. However, if you can provide medical evidence showing that your condition limits your daily activities and ability to maintain employment, you may meet the SSA’s requirements. Detailed medical records, doctors’ opinions, and personal accounts of your challenges can strengthen your case.
How Can I Prove My Medical Condition for Eligibility?
Proving your medical condition is one of the most critical steps in securing Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration requires detailed evidence showing how your condition impacts your ability to work.
Gathering Comprehensive Medical Records
Your medical records are the foundation of your disability claim. These should include doctors’ notes, diagnostic tests, hospital records, and a history of treatments. Comprehensive records can prove the severity of your condition and establish a clear link between your health issues and your inability to perform your job responsibilities.
Statements From Healthcare Providers
Statements from your healthcare providers can play a crucial role in proving your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Your doctor’s professional opinion about your condition and its impact on your daily life can provide the SSA with the information needed to evaluate your claim.
These statements should clearly outline how your condition limits your ability to work and perform basic tasks. For example, your doctor can detail how chronic pain prevents you from standing for long periods or how mental health challenges make it difficult to focus on tasks.
Tracking Symptoms Over Time
Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms over time can provide valuable evidence for your Social Security Disability claim. This documentation helps demonstrate how your condition affects your ability to work and maintain daily activities.
For example, you might document days when your pain prevents you from standing or times when fatigue leaves you unable to concentrate. Be sure to include specifics, such as the duration and severity of your symptoms, as well as any triggers or patterns you notice. These records can help show the SSA the full extent of your condition and its ongoing impact on your life.
Qualifying For SSDI
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must meet disability requirements and work requirements. The disability must prevent you from working and it must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration provides a list of impairments, but even if your physical or mental impairment is not listed, you may still be eligible for benefits.
There are also requirements related to your work history. You must have worked a certain amount of time and paid sufficient Social Security taxes to get benefits. You may have received a statement from the Social Security Administration showing your SSDI coverage.
Does My Age Affect My Eligibility For Disability Benefits?
Your age plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. Younger applicants typically need more recent work credits to qualify for SSDI, reflecting their shorter work histories. On the other hand, older applicants may face less strict requirements as they approach retirement age.
How Long Do I Need To Wait Before Receiving a Decision on My Disability Claim?
Waiting for a decision on your Social Security Disability claim can be a lengthy process. The amount of time it takes depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and whether additional documentation is required. The Social Security Administration typically takes three to five months to process an initial disability claim, according to the SSA’s Disability Benefits FAQ fact sheet.
Qualifying For SSI
Even if you do not qualify for SSDI, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To be eligible, you must still meet the same disability requirements. Because this is considered a welfare program, however, there are no work history requirements. Instead, your eligibility will be based on your having limited income and assets.
An experienced Oklahoma City Social Security Disability attorney at
The Law Center of Social Security Disability can guide you through the process, ensuring that your claim meets all necessary criteria and helping you navigate any challenges that may arise.
Free Consultation With A Social Security Disability Attorney In Oklahoma City
Call (405) 236-1416 or email me to discuss your eligibility for benefits with a skilled Oklahoma City Social Security Disability lawyer.