Defining Social Security Disability Benefits

When you're injured or you develop a condition that leaves you disabled, you need to find out more about Social Security disability benefits. While the concept seems simple - you get benefits if you can't work - there is a series of questions you should keep in mind as you begin the process of applying for benefits. You might not qualify for the benefits you thought you did, which means you need to seek out alternative ways of providing for your family.

The Questions You Need to Answer

As you determine whether or not you are qualified for benefits, ask yourself these five questions:

Is your condition severe?
Are you working right now?
Is your disability on the list for Social Security disability qualified disabilities?
Are you able to do your previous job's duties?
Can you manage new job duties?

With your doctor, you can begin to assess whether your condition is severe enough to warrant a disability claim. You will also want to talk about whether your condition will improve or if the disability is permanent. Think about whether you are working or if you are able to work right now. Again, this might be part of a discussion you have with your physician, helping you to create a clear understanding of how the disability is affecting your life.

Check with your state's disability list to see what disabilities are being covered by benefits. This can vary from state to state, so find out what your specific list includes. Think about whether you can do your previous job's duties. If you can not and you're of a certain age, education, or work experience, you might be told that you need to seek out other employment that you can handle.

That said, think about whether you could handle another type of job, with less stress on your body and on your condition. If this is the case, you might not be able to qualify for disability benefits at this time.

So Many Questions

The Social Security disability system is set up to make sure that benefits only go to the people who are actually unable to work because of a medical condition. Once you can prove that you will not be able to handle a job, then you can begin the process of apply for disability benefits. Realize now that this process takes time, sot he more quickly you can gather the necessary information, the more quickly you will be able to hear a response on your application.

Social Security disability benefits are crucial to support those people who are simply unable to work because of a qualified disability. Since you might still need support in your life, you need to have financial resources. The government can help you with your disability benefits. But if you're having troubles securing those benefits, talk to a qualified and experienced Social Security disability attorney to find out what you need to do to qualify.

If you live near Dallas, TX, and you've been denied Social Security benefits, consider contacting a Dallas Social Security lawyer for an initial free consultation. Dallas Social Security disability attorneys receive fees only when you win your benefits, so there's no risk to get professional help today.