Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability in Illinois?
You qualify for Social Security Disability benefits when you can’t work because of health problems.
Straightforward enough, right? It turns out actually getting disability benefits is a difficult, twisting path.
“Can’t work because of health problems” is more complicated than it sounds. In a Social Security Disability claim, you have to prove that statement.
You have to show them, and not just tell them: What are your health problems? How severe are they? How do they stop you from working? Is there some other kind of work you could do?
On this page, the Chicago disability lawyers at Nash Disability Law cover the basics of how to qualify for Social Security Disability to help you get started.
To get an attorney to help, you pay no up-front fee, only when you win.
Social Security Disability Checklist: Medical Qualifications
Your health situation is the core of your disability case. Your medical condition or conditions must meet these requirements to get benefits:
- You have documented illnesses or injuries.
- Your health troubles interfere with your daily functioning.
- Your health problems are likely to remain severe for at least a year.
- You can’t work because of your impairments.
- In some cases, qualifying impairments could eventually be fatal.
Social Security breaks this down into fine detail. You have to confirm every point with evidence and documents, such as:
- Medical exam reports
- Medical test results
- Medical imaging
- Records of surgeries and procedures
- Records of other therapies and treatments
- Medication plans
- Evidence of sustained treatment over time
- Results of treatment
- Contact information for medical providers
- Statements from friends and family
It’s a Social Security Disability lawyer’s job to help you identify the right evidence for your benefits claim.
Social Security Disability Checklist: Work and Financial Qualifications
If it looks like you have health problems severe enough to qualify for disability benefits, your claim could fit into two Social Security programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) covers you if you have worked, earned income, and paid Social Security taxes for a substantial time and recently.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) covers you if you don’t have much of a recent work record.
The work background and financial eligibility rules are different for each disability benefits program.
SSDI:
- You worked and paid into the system for several years, earning coverage.
- You’re no longer working more than a limited amount defined by Social Security.
- Not only are you unable to continue in your past job, but you also can’t switch to different work.
- You’re not retirement age yet.
- SSDI doesn’t have any limits on savings, investments or property you can have.
SSI:
- You can’t work more than a minimal amount.
- You have little other income.
- You have little in savings, investments or real estate (under $2,000 worth).
- You could be of working age with a disability.
- You could be over 65, disability or not.
- You could be any age with blindness.
- You don’t have to show a substantial work history, like with SSDI.
- Your primary home and one car don’t count against your limits on financial resources.
You use tax forms, bank statements, bills and other financial records to confirm these points. Your disability lawyer knows what to do.
In Chicagoland, talk to Nash Disability Law for more. We’ve helped thousands of people secure better financial futures by qualifying for disability benefits.
