Applying for Social Security disability benefits is a fairly complicated process, so it’s important to find out if you are eligible for the program before beginning the application. To receive benefits, you must meet certain requirements that revolve around your work history, income, and health. Daniel R. McComb Attorney at Law of Batavia, NY, will be happy to assess your eligibility, but you can begin the process by asking yourself the following questions.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

1. Am I Gainfully Employed?

If you are currently working and earned more than $14,000 this year, the Social Security Administration will likely consider you gainfully employed and thus ineligible for benefits. The disability program is meant to help those who cannot earn a living wage as the result of a qualifying disability.

2. Does My Condition Affect My Everyday Life?

Applicants who qualify for Social Security disability benefits have a severe condition or impairment that inhibits them from completing simple tasks, including those they would likely perform in a work setting. Their medical records also contain evidence as to the severity of their impairment, which should be continuous and expected to last for at least one year. 

3. Is My Condition Considered a Qualifying Disability?

Only people with certain disabilities are eligible to receive financial assistance. A seasoned attorney will be happy to review the Listing of Impairments with you to determine if you have a qualifying disability.

4. Does My Condition Prevent Me From Pursuing a Prior Vocation?

Your impairment must be severe enough to prevent you from doing the same kind of work you performed over the past 15 years. For example, if you have experience as a truck driver but suffer from a disability that causes debilitating back pain after sitting for an extended period, you are unable to work as a commercial driver and might qualify for benefits.

5. Does My Condition Prevent Me From Pursuing a New Vocation?

However, just because someone can no longer work as a trucker does not mean they can’t work in some other capacity in the transportation industry. For example, a disabled trucker might be able ton work as a dispatcher. The Social Security Administration wants to know you pursued all possible avenues of income before applying for benefits.

If you think you are eligible for benefits after answering the above questions, turn to Daniel R. McComb Attorney at Law in Batavia, NY, for quality legal guidance throughout the application process. You can learn more about applying for Social Security disability benefits by visiting his website. To schedule an initial consultation with a compassionate lawyer, call (585) 343-2250.