Do You Qualify for SSD Benefits?

Questions to ask before applying.

Contact Charles McAleer to meet an attorney about whether you may qualify for benefits. The question process below will give you an idea of what we will discuss when we meet.

At each state of the acceptance process, the SSA works through the following questions:

1. Are you working and making substantial earnings (SGA)? If so, you do not qualify.
2. If you are not working, do you have a "severe impairment" which interferes with your work activity? If not, you do not qualify.
3. Is your severe impairment a qualifying disorder or impairment as defined by the SSA? If so, you are "disabled" and may qualify for benefits.
4. Does your impairment make you unable to perform your "past relevant work"? If you are able to do your past work you probably will not qualify. If you cannot perform your past work you may qualify.
5. Do your impairments keep you from doing any other kind of work? If yes, you are "disabled" according to SSA standards and entitled to receive benefits.

This process can be very complex - one key is persistence. If you have already applied and your claim has been denied, you need to keep going. You need to appeal.

For more information about whether you qualify to receive Social Security benefits, contact a disability attorney at The McAleer Law Firm, P.C.