How the Social Security Administration defines disability
In order for you to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, it is not enough for your doctor to declare you disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as an inability to engage in any substantial gainful employment activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:

• Can be expected to result in death, or
• Has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or more

Some conditions that may qualify as disabilities include:

I am an attorney with more than 30 years of experience handling Social Security disability benefits claims. If you have been injured on the job or are otherwise disabled, contact me, Jeanne K. Aelion.

What effect your earnings history has on SSA program eligibility
Your employment history and your ability to work affect your eligibility for the following government-sponsored disability benefit programs:

• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI): An applicant who is seeking SSDI disability benefits is required to have contributed to the Social Security fund through employment-based taxes long enough to be considered fully insured and recently enough to have secured disability insured taxes. 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): The government grants SSI benefits to adults with limited income or resources and to children based in part on household income. The SSI program involves work incentives and exclusions that are beneficial to lower income households.

How to handle a Social Security claim delay or denial
Do not give up if you have been turned down for Social Security disability benefits or if your claim has been delayed. Many claims are denied based on a technicality — for example, because you did not state your disability correctly or failed to provide adequate medical records to support your claim. I am familiar with what it takes to secure benefits, and I can help you with re-filing your claim or filing for reconsideration.  

Call today. I can help.
A lawyer familiar with the Social Security claims process can be invaluable to you as you file for disability benefits. I can explain the claims process and help you secure your benefits. Contact my Bowie office online or at 301.464.2763 to work with a lawyer possessing more than 30 years of experience.