SSDI Work Requirements in West Virginia

When you suffer a disability that makes you unable to work and is expected to last for at least a year, you may be entitled to monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, simply suffering a disability is not enough to automatically entitle you to benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

There are strict SSDI work requirements in West Virginia that you must fulfill in order to successfully apply for and receive benefits. If you do not demonstrate to the SSA in your application that this situation applies to you, your claim may be denied. Our skilled SSDI attorneys can consult with you on how your employment history affects your claim – and you can even check out our SSDI eligibility questionnaire.

Understanding Work Requirements and Eligibility for SSDI

The basic eligibility criteria for SSDI are that the applicant needs to have worked in jobs that pay into the Social Security system, and he or she must have a disabling medical condition covered by the SSA. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), where an applicant’s eligibility is based on financial need, a person must meet specific work requirements in order to obtain SSDI benefits in West Virginia.

When a person works in jobs covered by the Social Security system, he or she earns “work credits” based on their annual income. The minimum income required to achieve a single work credit can change each year, and those work credits must have been earned within a certain period of time before the SSDI application.

Individuals who pay into the Social Security system can earn as many as four work credits in a calendar year. The standard is that applicants will need at least 40 credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits, and half of that needs to have been acquired in the decade prior to when the disability started.

However, it is possible for some applicants, especially individuals who are further from the standard retirement age, to achieve a payout of SSDI benefits even if he or she does not meet the 40-credit threshold.

Common Conditions that Qualify for SSDI Benefits

In addition to work requirement needed to qualify for SSDI benefits in West Virginia, the applicant must also have a qualifying medical condition that makes him or her permanently disabled. An applicant may be considered permanently disabled for the purposes of SSDI if the disability makes them unable to work a current job or perform any other gainful employment. The disability must also be serious enough to cause him or her to remain disabled for at least a year or eventually pass away as a result of the disability.

The SSA has outlined a list of conditions that can qualify someone for SSDI benefits. These can include psychological illnesses, as well as physical disabilities.

Common disabling conditions that could make someone unable to work and be eligible for SSDI benefits include cardiovascular illnesses, mental disorders, immune disorders, various types of cancers, and neurological illnesses. Respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and even digestive tract disorders could also qualify someone for SSDI.

Speak With a West Virginia Attorney About SSDI Work Requirements

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law can assess your situation and help you understand whether your condition and work background fulfill the SSDI work requirements in West Virginia. Even if you do not qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be entitled to Supplement Security Income if you have limited income and meet certain other requirements.

A lawyer can explore every option to seek any benefits that may be available to you while working to preserve your rights and interests throughout the application and review process. If your SSDI claim is denied, a lawyer can also assist with the complexities of the appeals process. Call now to schedule your free case consultation.