Social security disability, or SSD, is designed to help people who are unable to work, providing them with monthly benefits. If you have been hurt on the job and apply for SSD, it can be frustrating and confusing to receive a negative response. To better understand who qualifies and how you can improve your odds of a successful claim, below is a brief guide to the factors that matter most.

How to Determine SSD Eligibility

1. Time Spent Working

You must have worked a certain number of years at a job and paid social security taxes during that time. If you are too young to meet this requirement, your parents’ working times and input into the social system may count. Alternatively, you may qualify for supplemental security income.

2. Severity of Disability

Your medical condition must be serious enough that it interferes with basic work-related duties. Further, this must be a long-term condition and is expected to last for a minimum of one year. Further, you can’t continue to work and claim SSD benefits; you must be entirely unable to hold down a job.

3. Alternative Employment Options

Your social security disability application may be turned down if you are eligible for other work opportunities. For instance, if you work in construction, are injured, and file a SSD application—but you also became a certified accountant in the past. This can count against you, as it can be argued that you could still find gainful employment, just not in the construction field.

Be aware that SSD has a five-months waiting period—and this is assuming that your application is filed and processed without any hiccups along the way. It’s a good idea to have a lawyer help you complete the paperwork to avoid time-consuming errors. They can also follow up and rebut on your behalf in case you receive a negative reply.

For help with social security disability issues, put your trust in Goddard & Hammontree LLC. Located in Dalton, GA, they serve the residents of both southeast Tennessee and greater Atlanta areas with top-quality legal counsel and representation to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients. You can browse their range of practice areas online. To schedule a consultation and discuss your situation, call (706) 278-0464 today.