Has your ability to work been significantly impaired due to a physical or mental disability? Have you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDIB) only to have your application denied?
You may wonder why your application was denied. You have a legitimate condition that has impacted your ability to work, but your application has been denied. What must you prove to demonstrate that you have a qualifying disability?
Qualifying Disabilities
You must be able to demonstrate that you have a physical disability or mental disability, or a combination of the two, that is expected to significantly impair your ability to work for at least 12 months or which may result in death. It is important to note that the term disability may be misleading because you may have a qualifying injury, illness or condition that is not normally thought of as a disability.
It is better to think of disability as any physical condition or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, that will significantly impact your ability to work for at least 12 months (or which may result in death). Such conditions might include any injury, disease, brain impairment, emotional health issue or other problem that is severe enough to significantly impair your ability to work for at least 12 months. For example, you may not consider migraine headaches or back pain to be a "disability" as the term is commonly used, but such conditions could qualify you for benefits if they are severe enough to impact your ability to work for at least 12 months.
Your ability to work must also be impacted in a very particular way. It is not enough that you are unable to return to your prior employment. You will not be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits unless your physical and/or mental conditions impair your ability to work at any job. If you are age 50 or over, it is assumed that it is more difficult to transition to a new field of employment. Read our section on over age 50 claims to learn more.
Contact Our Michigan Disability Law Firm
You have worked and paid into the system. If you are unable to work, now is the time that the system should start paying you. Our skilled and caring Social Security Disability lawyers are ready to put their experience to work for you.
If you need to speak with a Social Security Disability attorney, we are pleased to offer a free consultation. We have law offices in Ypsilanti, Jackson, Taylor and Adrian, Michigan. Call 800-209-1717 to schedule your free consultation or contact us by e-mail.
