What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal program for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system but can no longer hold a job because of a disabling physical or mental health condition.
It is built for long-term disabilities. You generally must show that your condition has kept you from working, or is expected to keep you from working, for at least 12 consecutive months, or that it is expected to result in death. Social Security looks beyond your diagnosis to how your symptoms and limitations affect what you can do in a work setting.
Who Qualifies for SSDI Benefits?
Two things generally determine SSDI eligibility:
- Enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes, and
- A medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability.
In deciding whether your condition qualifies, the agency considers whether:
- Your condition significantly limits basic work activities such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, concentrating, or following instructions
- Your limitations have lasted, or are expected to last, at least 12 months
- You can still perform the work you did before your disability
- You could adjust to other work based on your age, education, experience, and medical limitations
- Your medical records support the restrictions described in your claim
Many conditions can support a claim, including back injuries, arthritis, heart disease, neurological and autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, cancer, and serious mental health conditions. You may qualify even if your diagnosis does not appear in Social Security's Listing of Impairments.
SSDI and SSI Are Different Programs
People often use SSDI and SSI interchangeably, but they are separate programs.
- SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid while employed.
- Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Some applicants qualify for both.
We can review your circumstances and explain which type of claim fits your situation.
Help With Your Initial SSDI Application
A strong initial application gives Social Security a clear picture of your medical history, work experience, and day-to-day limitations. Incomplete forms, missing records, and vague explanations can make an already difficult process harder. We help clients prepare accurate, well-supported claims. Our work may include:
- Reviewing your eligibility for SSDI
- Identifying relevant medical records and treatment providers
- Organizing information about your work history
- Explaining how to document your symptoms and limitations
- Responding to requests from Social Security
- Monitoring your claim as it moves through the process
Applying for benefits can feel overwhelming when you are already dealing with health problems and financial pressure. We work to keep the process manageable and your claim moving forward.
What Should I Do If My SSDI Claim Was Denied?
A denial does not mean you are ineligible for benefits. Many applicants receive an unfavorable decision at the initial stage and go on to succeed on appeal. You generally have 60 days to request reconsideration after a denial, and missing that deadline can force you to start over. Depending on where your claim stands, an appeal may involve:
- Reconsideration, a fresh review of your file by Social Security
- A hearing before an administrative law judge, held in person, by phone, or by video, before a judge who hears claims for the Roanoke area
- Review by the Appeals Council
- A federal court appeal, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which covers the Roanoke region
An effective appeal addresses the reason for the denial. That may require updated medical records, clearer evidence of your limitations, additional input from your providers, or careful preparation for a hearing.
How Disability Attorney Fees Work
Hiring a disability attorney does not require money up front. Fees in SSDI cases are set by federal law as a percentage of the past-due benefits you are awarded, subject to a cap. They are paid out of those back benefits only if your claim succeeds, so there is no cost to begin and no attorney fee at all if we do not recover benefits for you.
Roanoke Social Security Disability FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision?
An initial decision usually takes several months. If you have to appeal, the timeline can stretch considerably longer, particularly while waiting for a hearing. A complete, well-documented claim from the start helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Can I Apply for SSDI Before I Stop Working?
Your work activity and earnings affect your eligibility. If your condition has forced you to cut back your hours, speak with an attorney about how Social Security may evaluate your claim.
Can I Qualify If I Have Several Medical Conditions?
Yes. Social Security should weigh the combined effect of your physical and mental health conditions. Several conditions together may keep you from working even when no single diagnosis would be disabling on its own.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for SSDI?
You are not required to hire an attorney, but legal guidance can help you understand the process, organize your evidence, and avoid common mistakes. An attorney can also represent you if your claim is denied.
Does My Doctor Decide Whether I Qualify?
No. Social Security makes the final decision. Your medical records and your doctor's opinions, though, can provide important evidence of your diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and work-related limitations.
Call For a FREE Consultation: (888) 672-0720
Joanna Suyes spent 17 years as a paralegal and then 16 years as an attorney with another firm before opening a practice devoted to Social Security disability. Backed by her experience, we provide the comprehensive support claimants need.
If you have questions about applying for benefits or appealing a denial in Roanoke, we can help. Call (888) 672-0720 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation.
