Knowing what criteria you need to meet in order to qualify for disability benefits is crucial. The Law Offices of Laurence F. Padway recognizes that you need these benefits in order to maintain your health and financial stability, and we are here to walk you through the process of obtaining benefits. In order to increase your odds of filing a successful claim, you must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
- Your income must be below one thousand dollars per month for 2010.
- Your condition must be considered severe. In order for you to qualify for benefits under disability laws, your illness must interfere significantly with basic work-related activities.
- Your condition must be on the list of disabling conditions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe that they automatically qualify you as disabled. If your condition is not on the list, the SSA decides whether or not it is of equal severity to one that is on the list. For a complete and updated listing of severe conditions, go to http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm.
- You must be unable to do the work that you did previously. If your condition is not severe enough on its own to merit a successful disability claim, the SSA may consider other factors. One of these factors is your ability to continue gainful employment in your former profession, and whether you are likely to be able to adjust to a different type of work in the future. The SSA will review traits such as your age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills that you may possess.
- You must meet the criteria for a special situation if you do not qualify under any of the above criteria. Currently, the SSA has specific rules governing disability claims for those who are:
- Blind or have limited vision
- The widows or widowers of disabled individuals
- Children with a disability
- Eligible for benefits under the Wounded Warriors program
This is only a sample of the requirements that you must meet under disability law to claim your benefits. In order to find ways to expedite the processing of your claim, discuss it with the Law Offices of Laurence F. Padway.
Contact Us Regarding Your Disability Claim
If you have difficulty understanding disability law, we want to help. Contact the Law Offices of Laurence F. Padway online or at 510-814-6100 to discuss your case. We serve clients in Northern California, including Hayward, Fremont, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Contra Costa County.
