Disability

Social Security Disability Claims

Social Security Disability (SSDIB) is considered an insurance program for persons who have worked. You have to have paid Social Security Tax (the FICA Tax that you see on your pay stub) for the equivalent of 20 quarters for the last ten years before you became disabled. If you are underage 31, and have a shorter work history, there are reduced requirements.

You must meet the Social Security Act’s definition of “disabled.” This means that you have a “medically determinable” problem, which is expected to last, or has already lasted 12 months, or is expected to be fatal. The rules on what is “medically determinable” are complicated. Usually they mean that the physician can detect the problems by objective evidence (for example an x-ray), but that is a major simplification. Contact our office if you have questions about Social Security Disability.