Oklahoma residents who can’t work due to disabling health conditions are eligible for disability benefits. These financial perks help disabled individuals meet their personal needs and those of their families.

Many people who genuinely qualify for disability benefits struggle to get them while others are outrightly turned down. In many cases, applicants are forced to appeal to obtain disability benefits.

Disability benefits application is typically a lengthy, daunting, and bureaucratic process. It’s even worse if you’re recovering from injuries. Fortunately, an experienced and skilled Oklahoma disability benefits lawyer can walk with you every step of the way and ensure the application is successful. They can offer legal counsel, protect your rights, and prepare you for the best outcome.

What Constitutes Disability in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, a disability refers to physical and mental impairments that substantially limit an individual’s working ability. However, the determination of whether an individual is disabled can vary by the circumstances of each case.

In addition to the above definition, the individual’s disabling condition must last or be expected to last a minimum of 12 months or the condition must be terminal. According to Oklahoma Disability Services, 614,800 Oklahomans received disability benefits in 2019.

Who Qualifies for Disability Benefits in Oklahoma?

The following categories of people qualify for disability benefits in Oklahoma:

Disabled Widows and Widowers

The death of a breadwinner causes financial hardships to a disabled decedent’s dependents. The good thing is that the SSDI provides a safety net.

Disabled widows and widowers can claim Social Security disability benefits after the death of a working spouse. The benefits provide significant financial help to widows or widowers aged between 50 and 60 years and meet the aforementioned definition of disability.

Disabled Workers Dependants

Children related to the disabled individual can receive disability benefits provided they’re below 18 years or 18 years old and in high school. Relationships in this case can be by blood, adoption, or remarriage.

Qualifying children can receive a maximum monthly payment equivalent to half of the disabled person’s monthly benefits. However, there is a cap on the maximum amount of monthly disability benefits one family can collect.

Adults Living With Childhood Disabilities

Adults living with disabilities diagnosed in childhood can claim Social Security disability benefits. However, the amount they qualify for depends on whether the parent is dead, or receives retirement or disability benefits.

Types of Disability Benefits in Oklahoma

There are two types of disability benefits available to disabled Oklahomans who cannot work, including:

The two programs are regulated by the Social Security Administration.

In both programs, the primary prerequisite is a medical disability. However, different eligibility requirements apply.

Contact A Reputable Oklahoma Disability Benefits Attorney

By law, the federal government should help individuals who can’t work due to a medical condition. Simply put, such people are eligible for disability benefits.

The Social Security Law Center is a reputable social security law firm in Oklahoma. We are ready to help you fight for the financial support you deserve. Schedule a free consultation to understand how we can help you.