Debilitating injuries at work can happen without warning. If you sustain a serious injury and can no longer work, you might wonder how you get the financial support you need to live your life.
Fortunately, the federal government provides a safety net called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those who qualify. If you qualify, you will generally receive monthly benefits.
Who qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits?
To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- You worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
- You have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
While you can become disabled from an activity or condition that arises outside of work, many people suffer disabilities while on the job, according to the Social Security Administration. An on-the-job injury generally leads to a workers’ compensation claim, which is a state-run program that provides cash benefits and medical care benefits.
In some cases an injured employee collects workers’ comp benefits and returns to his or her job after recovering. The injured person may never need to file a claim for SSDI.
Filing an SSDI claim after a work injury
Some cases lead to a workers’ comp and SSDI claim, however. To qualify for SSDI after a work accident, you must be unable to work for at least 12 months or have a condition that is expected to result in your death (such as a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less). Some injured people are able to return to work and do not qualify for SSDI.
The following are questions to consider when considering SSDI benefits:
- Is your condition “severe?” Your condition must limit your ability to complete basic tasks, such as lifting, standing, walking and remembering. The condition must last for at least 12 months, according to the Social Security Administration.
- Can you do the work you did previously? If you can, your claim may be denied.
- Can you do any other type of work? The Social Security Administration will see if you can work in other types of jobs before approving your claim.
What types of injuries or conditions qualify for Social Security Disability?
There are many types of injuries or illnesses that could lead to an approved SSDI claim. They include but are not limited to the following:
- Spinal cord injuries or other serious back or neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Cancer
- Knee, hip and other joint injuries
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Chronic pain or fatigue
- Heart disease
- Other cardiovascular conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
Whether you suffered a condition at work or elsewhere, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. It is important to understand that the process to get approved can be difficult and time-consuming. Many people filing for benefits on their own get frustrated and give up. Many claims are denied at first – even if it’s clear they should be approved.
How a disability work injury attorney can help
That’s why people seeking SSDI benefits after injuries or conditions sustained at work often see advantages by hiring an experienced attorney. At Tabor Law Firm, P.A., serving clients in Jackson, Mississippi, and throughout the state, we understand the difficulties and challenges facing those who have sustained disabling injuries. We have successfully reversed decisions to deny claims.
In some cases, we find mistakes made in the application process. Even if the application is completed properly, the claim could be denied. We help clients appeal those denials. They often end up approved at the next level of the process.
You don’t need to suffer the consequences of a denied claim. You also don’t need to fight for your claim on your own. Let an experienced attorney at Tabor Law Firm, P.A. in Mississippi advocate for you. We can put in the hard work on your behalf and fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.