Qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits throughout California, Nevada and the West

Understanding whether you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be very complicated. The Social Security Administration applies a complex formula to determine each individual’s eligibility, and knowing whether you qualify requires a thorough understanding of both the law and your medical condition. The experienced attorneys at David Allen & Associates can help you understand the requirements and seek the Social Security Disability benefits to which you are entitled.

Attorneys throughout California, Nevada and the West Who can Help You Understand Social Security Disability Benefits

In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you need to meet two requirements:

• You must have worked long enough and recently enough to hold a sufficient number of Social Security work credits; and,
• You must be “disabled,” as that term is defined by the Social Security Administration.

Our Oakland and Sacramento Social Security attorneys are here to walk you through the process.

Understanding Social Security Work Credits for Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits

The first requirement to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits is that you must have earned a sufficient number of “credits” through your work experience. Wages, salary, and self-employment income all count toward satisfying your credit requirement. Generally speaking, you can earn up to four credits per year if you make a sufficient amount of income in each quarter. The amount of earnings needed changes almost every year. For example, in 2003 you could have earned four credits if you made at least $890 each quarter; however, in 2013, the quarterly earnings requirement is $1,160.

Most people need a total of 40 credits, or 10 years’ worth, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability. In addition, 20 of these credits (or 5 years’ worth) must be earned in the 10 years immediately preceding the date of your disability claim. However, individuals under age 31 can qualify if they have earned full credits for at least half of the years since their 21st birthday, and individuals under age 24 can qualify with as few as 6 credits.

In addition, the Social Security Administration has special programs for:

• Individuals who are blind or have limited vision,
• Widows and widowers of disabled workers,
• Parents of disabled children, and
• Disabled veterans (wounded warriors).

What it Means to be “Disabled” for Purposes of Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits

The second requirement for Social Security Disability benefit eligibility is that you must suffer from a “total” disability. Social Security Disability does not provide benefits short-term or partial disability. Our attorneys can help you understand what “disabled” means for purposes of qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits. Please click the link to learn more.

Speak with an Attorney throughout California, Nevada and the West about Your Claim

At David Allen & Associates, we help disabled individuals and their families understand the Social Security Disability application process, and we fight for the full benefits they deserve. Please contact us today to learn more about what our attorneys can do for you. We have offices throughout California and Nevada, including downtown Oakland and Sacramento, and we can provide representation in California, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.