Filing for social security disability (SSDI) takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Many people who file are denied the first time around. This leaves many disabled individuals wary of filing for benefits or filing an appeals claim. If you are one of these individuals, you should know that there are certain steps to take to successfully file your claim.

Verifying Your Medical Conditions

The requirements for filing for Social Security disability are straightforward. In order for you to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must meet the standard financial and medical requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a government agency that handles disability benefits. This agency determines whether your medical issues are legitimately disabling. Your medical condition must meet the following standards:

• Your condition must meet the Social Security impairment listing requirements. The Social Security Administration website provides a Listing of Impairment for adults and a Listing of Impairment for children.

• Your medical condition must prevent you from working at any job that you previously held.

• Your medical condition must prevent you from working any other type of job that someone of your age, skill set and education could typically work.

• Your medical condition must be present for at least one year prior to your claim, or it must be expected to last for a minimum of one year once you file.

Verifying Your Financial Information

If you are gainfully employed, you are not eligible for benefits through the Social Security Administration. The SSA considers you gainfully employed if you earn money each month that reaches a certain amount. To earn SSDI benefits, you must have the proper amount of tax credits. If you do not have the proper amount, you may be denied for benefits. You earn tax credits by paying taxes each year for a certain amount of years. The maximum you can earn is four credits per year. If you have been out of work too long, your earned tax credits may not count anymore. Your age will factor into the amount of credits you need to be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Legal Assistance With Filing For SSDI

Even with this information in mind, it can be difficult to properly file a solid Social Security disability case. You can greatly benefit from the assistance of a Social Security attorney from a firm like R.J. Marzella & Associates, P.C. It is common for SSDI claimants to make mistakes when preparing and filing a disability claim. One small mistake or technical error can cause your claim or appeal to be rejected. Social Security attorneys have a great deal of experience in regards to Social Security regulations and the filing process. A disability lawyer can guide you through the process of collecting medical evidence, getting verification from your doctor, proving your work history and more. Getting legal assistance from an experienced attorney may greatly increase your chances of being approved for SSDI benefits.