Social Security Disability Benefits provide a safety net for Oklahoma residents who can no longer work due to an injury or illness. You can only qualify for these benefits if you have been working and paying payroll taxes in at least 5 of the last 10 years. Even if you do qualify for Oklahoma disability benefits, the process of collecting them can be long and tedious. Therefore, it’s important to get a social security disability lawyer who will give your case individualized attention and handle the bureaucratic process on your behalf. 

How long do you have to be out of work to be eligible for SSDI benefits?

You must suffer from a disabling medical condition that is expected to prevent you from working for at least a year in order to be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, there is no requirement that you have been out of work for a specific period of time prior to filing an application for Social Security Disability benefits.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides these benefits to enable Oklahoma workers to pay their bills and cater to the necessities of life when they are unable to work. SSDI is only available to those who suffer from qualifying medical conditions, as stated by the SSA. These are medical conditions that meet SSA’s definition of disability.

Does your employment history qualify you for SSDI benefits?

To be eligible for these Oklahoma disability benefits, you are required to have been in employment for long enough and recently enough under Social Security. Keep in mind that you are expected have done jobs that are part of those the Social Security covers. Generally, SSDI benefits are also only available to workers who have accumulated at least 40 credits. However, the actual amount of credits will vary with your age when you become disabled. Younger workers will still qualify for SSDI benefits with fewer credits. These work credits are calculated according to your total annual wages or any income you get from self-employment. The number of credits you earn varies each year. For instance, in 2021, you earn 1 credit for wages amounting to $1,470 in a calendar quarter. 

How long will the benefits be paid?

SSDI benefits are often paid for as long as you are unable to work. In most cases, the SSA will continue paying these benefits until you can work again on a regular basis. The SSA also provides an incentive for workers to transition back to work, such as health coverage and continued benefits. If the benefits are paid out until you reach full retirement age, they are automatically converted into retirement benefits. 

How a disability benefits lawyer can help

If you are in Oklahoma and have been unable to work due to an injury or illness, contact our local attorneys. We have years of experience dealing with Oklahoma disability benefits claims. We have worked with multiple judges on social security disability cases, and we understand the rules and procedures needed to make claims a success. Our attorneys are available throughout the state, so you can meet them at your convenience and hassle-free. When you hire our disability benefits lawyers, you will get professional representation for your case. We come with decades of experience to get your claim approved.