If you are disabled and intend to file for social security benefits, it’s important to work with a qualified attorney. At Social Security Law Center, we have experienced and compassionate attorneys who can assist you in seeking disability benefits. From making the initial application to following up with any additional requests made by the SSA, your social security disability attorneys will handle the process every step of the way.

How are disability payments calculated?

One of your first thoughts is likely how much compensation you can receive each month if the benefits are approved. After reviewing your case, our social security disability attorneys in Oklahoma City can advise on your possible SSDI payment amounts. We know that having this ballpark figure is important for your planning purposes and to give you peace of mind.

The amount you receive each month will largely depend on how much you earned before becoming disabled. SSA will look at how much you paid in Social Security taxes over the years to determine your benefits. You may still collect benefits after performing some paying work. The amount you will earn if approved for benefits is adjusted periodically for inflation.

5 questions that will help SSA determine if you are disabled

1. Are you currently working? If you are working and have average earnings of more than a certain limit (in 2021, this limit is given as $1,310 gross monthly) you are generally unlikely to be considered disabled.
2. Is your condition severe? The SSA will also determine if your condition significantly limits your ability to do basic work-related activities for at least 12 months. Our disability attorneys can help gather all the evidence and medical records to prove this in your application.
3. Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions? The SSA maintains a list of conditions that are considered severe enough to prevent a person from participating in substantial gainful activity. If your condition is not on this list, further consideration will be made to determine if you are still disabled.
4. Can you do the work you did previously? If you are suffering from medical impairments that prevent you from doing work you have done in the past, you may have a qualifying disability.
5. Can you do other types of work? The SSA will also look into whether you can do other work despite your condition. 

Can you still claim benefits if you don’t meet the standards?

At Social Security Law Center, we’ve worked with plenty of people who are too young to have a decade of work experience to accumulate enough credits to qualify for disability benefits. However, there are unique circumstances, such as where the applicant was working in dangerous environments and can still qualify for benefits even though they’ve worked for fewer years. We have worked with younger workers helping them to submit an application that shows they are indeed entitled to benefits. Our social security disability attorneys in Oklahoma City understand the rules about how long you must work to qualify for benefits and will help you every step of the way.