If you’ve been injured and are considering applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, a good place to start is determining whether or not you meet the basic requirements set by the Social Security Administration. These requirements are meant to exclude those who aren’t disabled to the extent that warrant benefits. Take a look at the questions below. Based on your answers, you may be eligible for SSD benefits.
- Have you paid FICA taxes for 5 to 10 years prior to your disability?
- Will your injury or illness prevent you from working for at least 12 months?
- Are you unable to perform any other job?
If you answered “yes” to all three of these questions, you might be eligible for SSD benefits. That doesn’t mean you will automatically be granted benefits, but you can assume your application will at least be considered.
The application and appeal process can take a great deal of time. However, certain individuals’ applications can be expedited depending on whether or not they meet certain criteria for two new initiatives: Compassionate Allowances (CAL) and Quick Disability Determinations (QDD).
The CAL initiative expedites the applications of individuals whose disability is so severe it warrants quick consideration. You can find a list of these conditions at the Social Security Administration website. The QDD initiative utilizes a computer data model that predicts, based on application criteria, whether or not the applicant is a good candidate for benefits.
Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of all initial SSD applications are denied. If you’ve been denied benefits, call our experienced Alabama Social Security Disability attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll review your application and fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
