Do You Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
Social Security Disability applicants must meet both medical and financial criteria to qualify for benefits.
The Social Security Disability Administration will make a decision whether the applicant financially qualifies for
Social Security Disability before moving onto an analysis of the applicant’s medical conditions.
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI)?
The determination of disability is the same for both Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income.
Determination of Disability
In order to receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), a certain amount of Social Security “credits” are needed. A credit is earned by working and earning $1,220.00 (for 2015) and $4,880.00 (for 2015) in earnings is required to receive the maximum four credits for the year.
Your credits will be calculated by the Social Security Administration when you apply for benefits. You must have enough work credits in the last 10 years of work to qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits.
Without Sufficient Work Credits
If you do not have sufficient work credits for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-tested benefit. When you apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, the Social Security Administration will ask you questions about your household resources. Generally, you cannot have more than $2,000.00 in assets for a single person and $3,000.00 in assets for a married couple to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The Social Security Administration will not count your house or one car toward that limit.
The Social Security Administration will count any cash, bank accounts, and life insurance you have toward the resource limit. The maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment in 2015 is $733.00 per month.
What is Considered a Disability?
What Kinds of Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?
