What is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Most people in San Antonio plan for retirement and work towards it their whole life. For most, retirement comes with Social Security money and the ability to have enough income to sustain themselves for the remainder of their lives. However, most people do not take into account what would happen should they become disabled and unable to work.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a 20-year-old worker has a 1 in 4 chance of becoming disabled before the age of 67, and the U.S. Census Bureau reports that 12% of the U.S. population, 37 million Americans, are qualified as disabled. It becomes increasingly important that everyone know what Social Security Disability Insurance is and what options they have should they become disabled prior to retirement.

If you or someone you know has become disabled in San Antonio, it’s imperative you contact the San Antonio injury lawyers with Carabin Shaw to help you understand the options available regarding Social Security Disability Insurance. Our experienced lawyers can ensure you are educated and, when the time comes, well-prepared in pursuing the legal avenues available to ensure your right to disability benefits and income in San Antonio.

Social Security Disability Insurance is a program administered by the SSA that provides benefits and income to individuals and their families who have been deemed disabled and unable to continue working before their retirement age. Social Security Disability Insurance is available to anyone who has worked for a certain amount of time while paying social security taxes throughout their employment.

These Social Security taxes are also known as the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or FICA. FICA helps to fund Social Security and Medicare programs for those who become disabled. In order for you to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must be able to meet two separate earnings tests.

1. A recent work earnings test: This test only applies to those who become disabled before retirement age.
2. A duration of work test: This test proves that you did indeed work long enough under conditions that paid Social Security taxes to be eligible for benefits.

After these tests are administered, the SSA will then look at the severity of your condition and whether it merits eligibility for disability benefits. The SSA investigates the nature of your illness or injury extensively and determines if your medical condition significantly limits your ability to do basic work activities. If so, they will then determine if your disability is so severe that you cannot complete any other work-related functions related to the job you are trained for.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance is a tedious and overwhelming process that often requires the assistance of an experienced attorney in the San Antonio area. Understanding what is Social Security Disability Insurance and the road to attaining it can be stressful and full of legal terminology that only an experienced lawyer is familiar with.

Additionally, the majority of people who apply for SSDI are denied on their initial application without the consultation of an experienced San Antonio Social Security disability claims attorney.

An experienced attorney understands exactly what paperwork is needed to submit an application and has the knowledge and resources to expedite processes that otherwise take up time, such as obtaining personal medical records. In addition to ensuring you are adequately prepared for the application process, a seasoned attorney will know how to navigate your appeal should your initial application be denied.

If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits in San Antonio, you should consider contacting the team of experienced attorneys with Carabin Shaw today.

Two decades of experience in the personal injury field has supplied Carabin Shaw of San Antonio with the knowledge and resources to navigate your case and win the compensation you deserve.

We provide free case evaluations and work strictly on a contingency basis. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today toll-free at 1.800.862.1260 or locally at 210.222.2288.