Can I Tell If I Qualify for SSDI or SSI Before I Apply?

Even though the Social Security Administration (SSA) ultimately decides if you qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, there are specific guidelines that the SSA use to determine if you will qualify.

SSDI Qualifications

To determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), first ensure you have a valid Social Security number, your W-2 or federal tax return from the most recent year, and an overview of your medical records that includes a description of your diagnosis and disability. After that you should:

• Calculate your work credits with your W-2 or tax return according to SSA guidelines,
• Decide if you meet the SSA’s definition of disabled (“you cannot do the work you did before; the SSA determines you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical conditions; and your disability has lasted for one year or is expected to last for one year or result in death”),
• Complete the online screening tool offered by the SSA to confirm if you will qualify.

SSI Qualifications

To determine if you should qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you must first be 65 years old or older, legally blind and/or physically disabled, and fall under set income guidelines. Other SSA qualifications for SSI include:

• Parents or legal guardians of minors under the age of 18 can also apply for SSI for their children.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen; you must have a valid Social Security number.
• Meet or fall below the income guidelines set by the SSA (state governments set the income cap to consider the cost of living in that particular state).
• Meet or fall below the liquid assets and resource guidelines set by the SSA.

Guidance from Jan Dils Attorneys at Law in WV

If you have additional questions about Social Security Disability benefits, feel free to contact us anytime at 877.526.3457. We have an experienced team of West Virginia Social Security Disability attorneys, and one of our representatives will be happy to answer your questions. Or if you’d prefer to contact us online, please fill out this form and we will respond to you shortly.