Qualifying for SSDI in Kansas City

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monetary benefits to people who cannot work because of a qualifying disability. To receive benefits, you must establish that you have a medical condition covered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have obtained enough work credits.

Applying for SSDI can quickly become overwhelming. Contact the BurnettDriskill team to speak to an experienced Social Security disability insurance attorney about qualifying for SSDI in Kansas City.

Work History Requirements to Qualify

To qualify for SSDI benefits in Kansas City, people must have worked jobs where they paid Social Security taxes. Generally, a person must have at least 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last ten years.

If you were voluntarily out of the workforce for a substantial time (five years or more) before your disability, you might not be eligible for SSDI. The age of an applicant matters as younger people may qualify with fewer work credits. For more information, contact BurnettDriskill Attorneys today.

The SSA’s Definition of Disability

The SSA provides benefits for disabled persons. This strict definition requires the following to be true:

• Your condition prevents you from doing work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level
• You cannot do the same work you have done and cannot adjust to different work due to the condition
• Your condition is considered long-term (has lasted or will likely last at least one year or be terminal)

If you have obtained the amount of work credits to qualify, the SSA determines if you have a qualifying disability by asking:

• Whether you are working (if work activity is SGA and earnings level)
• If your condition is severe (significantly interferes with your ability to work)
• If your condition is on the list of qualifying medical conditions
• Whether you can do the work you did previously
• If you do any other type of work

An experienced Social Security attorney can explain the qualifying process in more detail.

Medical Conditions Covered by SSDI

Not every disability is considered a covered medical condition by SSDI. The SSA evaluates medical records, reports from doctors and specialists, and the severity of the condition to determine eligibility. A wide range of conditions can qualify if enough work credits are obtained and disability is established.

Some common qualifying conditions include severe musculoskeletal disorders that affect movement, neurological conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, and mental health disorders. The SSA also considers conditions affecting vital organs, such as cancer or chronic respiratory diseases.

The SSA looks at more than just your medical condition. For example, two people could have the exact same condition, but one is not significantly affected and continues working, making them ineligible for SSDI in Kansas City. If the other individual cannot work, they would be eligible based on that particular qualification.

Contact Us to Learn More About Qualifying for SSDI in Kansas City

Contact a lawyer at Burnett Driskill to explain eligibility and the process of qualifying for SSDI in Kansas City.

If your medical condition is preventing you from being able to work, we can help determine if you are eligible.