When you have become disabled due to an accident, medical condition, or some other reason and are unable to continue supporting yourself and your family, you need to take steps to ensure your survival. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is able to provide social security disability benefits to many disabled citizens across the U.S.

However, obtaining approval for these benefits can prove to be quite a challenge. Below, we go into greater detail about the various steps you should take to get your social security disability (SSD) claim approved.

Make Sure You Qualify for SSD Benefits

In order to get approved for SSD benefits,  you need to be sure that you are, in fact, eligible for social security benefits. There are two main approval criteria.

First, you need to have a qualifying disability. The SSA keeps a running list of medical conditions that are automatically considered a qualifying disability. But even if your medical condition is not on this list, you may still be eligible for benefits. If your disability prevents you from finding work in any field or working in any capacity, then you are likely to qualify for SSD.

But that’s not all. You also need to have earned enough work credits. Social security is considered a kind of insurance because every person who earns wages pays into social security in every paycheck. Though each case is different, generally speaking, you will need to have earned a minimum of 40 credits in your lifetime, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years.

You can earn a maximum of four work credits per year, and those who are younger will have this taken into consideration when their application is reviewed by the SSA.

Provide the Right Supporting Documentation

SSD benefits can be extremely difficult to obtain, even if you should be entitled to such benefits. It can take claimants years before their claims are approved, especially if their claims were initially denied and they have had to go through several levels of application.

The best way to ensure that your SSD claim is approved is to provide the SSA with the information they need to approve your claim. Such information might include:

  • Medical records
  • Work history
  • Recent doctor’s note and test results
  • Pay stubs
  • Information relating to any accident you may have been involved in

These are just a few of the details you will need to provide to the SSA. Your lawyer can help you to gather the appropriate documentation so your claim is strong right from the start.

Get Help from a Boston Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you have yet to file your SSD claim or if you have already filed and received a denial, contact a qualified Boston social security disability lawyer at Joel H. Schwartz, PC for assistance in obtaining an approval.

Our firm proudly offers complimentary consultations to disabled individuals across Boston and the entire state of Massachusetts. Take advantage of this opportunity and give our office a call at 617-742-1170 or complete the quick contact form provided below to schedule yours.