Most employees go about their daily work without ever thinking of the possibility of becoming disabled. However, the chances of becoming disabled as a result of workplace injuries or as a result of other illnesses and ailments are greater than most people would ever imagine. The Social Security Administration reports that just over 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67, the current full retirement age under the federal Social Security system. If a person becomes disabled, it often has devastating effects on a person’s or a family’s finances. As the figure above demonstrates, that devastation could happen to 25% of the workforce before the age of retirement. However, there is hope. The federal Social Security Administration provides much needed benefits to disabled workers.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program through the federal Social Security Administration that provides benefits to persons with disabilities who are unable to work and meet certain other qualifying criteria. Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to disabled persons and certain members of a disabled person’s family if the disabled person is “insured,” meaning that he or she worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. A disabled person will also qualify for Medicare after a waiting period of 2 years after the granting of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
The Social Security Administration has provided guidelines for what qualifies as a “disability” under the Social Security Disability Insurance program. This definition has a strict meaning. “Disability” for purposes of Social Security Disability Insurance is based on a person’s inability to work. A person is “disabled” under the Social Security rules if:
1. You cannot do work that you did before;
2. The Social Security Administration decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
3. Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
If you believe that you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you don’t have to stand alone. Contact one of the attorneys at Manchin Injury Law Group, PLLC, today to discuss your potential claim.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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