Living with a disability can be challenging, especially if your health insurance or income is limited. Luckily, Texas residents can be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The benefits provide financial support to children and adults who cannot work due to a mental or physical disability. First, it is crucial to understand the two types of benefits provided to residents in Dallas, Texas.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers these programs for financial support to individuals with disabilities. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) supports individuals who have been in the workforce long enough and paid enough into the system regardless of their income before the disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on the needs of those who haven’t spent enough into the system, including children. That means you can get approval for SSI if you do not qualify for SSDI. However, it is essential to consult your Dallas TX Social Security Disability lawyer to determine the available options.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
It is crucial to note that disability has different meanings. For example, a condition may qualify you for workers’ compensation, but it may not need the requirements in SSA. According to SSA, a disability qualifies as a condition that prevents you from earning a specific income or engaging in substantial activities. The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that can be proven medically. The condition should also have lasted for at least 12 months or resulted in death. Therefore, when you apply for SSDI, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Texas reviews the details and determines if your disability qualifies. The DDS will use the five steps of evaluation. These are also the requirements for qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits.
The 5 Elements of Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Do You Have a Severe Condition?
If the condition interferes with your basic daily activities, you may qualify as disabled. If not, the DDS will not consider you as disabled.
Do You Engage in a Substantial Gainful Activity?
Suppose you have an activity earning around $1970 for blind people and $1180 for non-blind people. In that case, the DDS considers it as a substantial gainful activity. That means you do not qualify for the benefits.
Can You Work In Your Previous Station?
The DDS conducts a residual functional capacity evaluation to know if your condition hinders you from doing your previous work. If you cannot work the same you used to before the situation, the DDS will deem you to be disabled.
Is There a Listed Impairment?
The SSA has listed impairments that qualify for SSDI. Therefore, if you suffer from any of the listed impairments or have a condition with the same severity, you can be considered disabled. However, the DDS goes to the next step if you do not have any listed impairment.
Is There Any Other Work You Can Do?
Considering your education, skills, age, and work experience, can you adapt to any other work? If you are not able to, the DDS will consider you to be disabled. However, if you can work in a different station, you do not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
In Summary
Unfortunately, many people face hurdles when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. They must also appeal if their application is rejected. That is why it is advisable to consult a Social Security Disability lawyer to evaluate your available options and eligibility. They will work with you to also appeal if your claim is denied.