Do You Qualify for Massachusetts Social Security Disability?

Becoming disabled can be one of the most profound disruptions life has to offer. Many disabled people don't want to be a burden on others or ask for help, but eventually they must.

In the United States we are fortunate to have the Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition to supporting retired workers, the SSA offers financial help to those who have suffered a disability that keeps them from working.

Whether you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, the SSA's definition of disability is the same. According to their online site, you may qualify if:

• You are totally disabled;
• You cannot do work that you did before;
• The SSA decides that you cannot adjust to other work because of your other medical condition(s); and
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

It is important to note that the SSA assumes you have other resources to support you during short-term disability including insurance, worker's compensation, and perhaps savings or investments. But when your disability is long-term, these other opportunities may well dry up, leaving you with applying for Social Security disability as your only option.

So, how does the SSA decide if you are disabled? Here are a few of their guidelines:

• If you are working and earning over $1,000 a month, you will not qualify.
• Your disability must "interfere with basic work-related activities."
• If your disability appears on the SSA's list of qualifying medical conditions, you are disabled in their eyes.
• If your condition is not on the list, but it is decided that it is equal in severity of those on the list, you can qualify.
• If you can do the work you did previously, you do not qualify.
• If you cannot adjust to any other type of work, you may qualify.

You may read this and decide that you are a good candidate for benefits. But that is just the first step. Paperwork, denials, and appeals are just a few of the obstacles to actually receiving the first check.

We strongly recommend that you do not try to do all of this on your own. The experts at Keefe Disability Law can help you navigate the complicated processes of getting the help you need. Call us toll free today at 888-904-6847 to schedule a free case evaluation. We are located in Massachusetts, but also serve clients in New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.