5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

If you worked long enough and recently enough, you may be able to claim Social Security disability benefits if you become unable to work for a long period. Here are some things you need to know about how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) works:

• Your work is measured by "work credits." When you work and pay a certain amount of FICA or Social Security tax, you a "credit." The amount of credits you need to be covered for disability depends on your age.

• You must not be working and earning at least $1,470 per month in wages when you apply for disability (SSDI). In 2023, if you are working and earning that much you will not qualify for SSDI and your claim will not be considered.

• You must have a medically determined illness that will keep you from working at least 12 straight months OR which will end in death. Social Security has no short term or temporary benefit.

• 70 percent of claims are denied at the application level. Most claimants must go through the appeal process to get benefits. Those who work with a disability attorney or advocate are almost 3 times as likely to get approved during their appeal according to the US Government Accounting Office (GAO) study.

Claimants who work with an advocate or attorney are almost 3X more likely to be approved according to a study by the Government Accounting Office (GAO).