If you’re unsure whether you qualify for disability benefits or not, call us immediately!
While you may not be able to work, that alone doesn’t mean you’ll win Social Security Disability benefits. Social Security is a large government entity. They use a complex legal system to decide whether or not you deserve benefits, and you can only win benefits if you meet their strict definition of “disabled.”
Our attorneys in Springfield-Decatur, Champaign-Urbana and Danville will help you determine whether you do. Contact Schiro & Themer today for help with your disability case.
TO QUALIFY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS, YOU MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY AND YOU MUST MEET THE DEFINITION OF DISABLED.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY?
There are two types of Social Security Benefits: SSDI and SSI.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you meet three criteria:
- You are disabled,
- You have earned enough work credits through Social Security taxes, and
- As of the date you became disabled, you must have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
You need strong medical evidence.
WHAT DOES BEING“DISABLED” MEAN?
Under Social Security rules, you’re only considered disabled if a medical condition or injury is expected to keep you from working for at least one full year (or result in death). The disability can be a physical condition, a mental condition, or a combination of problems.
If you’re unable to work, it’s important that you schedule regular medical appointments and gather enough documentation to prove your case to Social Security.
IN GENERAL, SOCIAL SECURITY CONSIDERS YOU DISABLED IF:
- You cannot do work that you did before;
- They decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
- Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or to result in death.
Just about any medical problem that stops you from working can qualify for disability benefits. These are some of the most common:
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Fatigue
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal Injuries
- Lupus
- Lung Disease
- Anxiety
- Osteoarthritis of the Joints
- Lumbar and Cervical Spine Disorders
- Lyme Tick Disease
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Autoimmune Disorder
- HIV
FILL OUT THIS FORM TO GET HELP WITH YOUR CASE
Contact us right away if you have questions about your disability case. Our team is here to help answer any questions you have.
We practice Social Security Disability law in Central Illinois and West-Central Indiana, including, but not limited to, Danville, Illinois; Decatur, Illinois; Urbana, Illinois; Kankakee, Illinois; Champaign, Illinois; Covington, Indiana; and Attica, Indiana.
CALL US AT 1-888-454-1721.