Houston Social Security Disability Law Blog

Social Security disability are important benefits to help disabled individuals with their daily needs and the challenges they face. Because of how important Social Security disability benefits are for many struggling disabled individuals and their families, it is essential for disabled individuals to be familiar with how they can maximize their benefits and receive their full benefit.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in four adults in the United States reports suffering from a disability. That number represents 61 million Americans suffering from a disability and potentially needing help. Social Security disability benefits may be available to individuals who suffer from a physical or mental medical condition that interferes with their daily activities and prevents them from working. In addition, one of the requirements for Social Security disability is that the disabled individual worked so that they paid Social Security taxes.

The Social Security Disability hearing is an important part of the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits for all Texans. The hearing can help determine if the disabled applicant will have their claim for benefits approved or denied, which is why it is important for disabled applicants to be prepared for their Social Security Disability hearing.

To begin with, disabled applicants should not be nervous during their Social Security Disability hearing and should always provide concise and truthful answers to the questions they receive. Disabled individuals may be asked about their medical condition, including their symptoms, medications, pain and range of motion; their physical and mental abilities; their medical history; their training and education; their employment history; and their day-to-day activities.

Many, if not most, initial applications for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are denied. As a result, it is essential for disabled individuals and their families to be familiar with the appeals process and what it is so they understand both how to apply for benefits and appeal when they have been denied Social Security disability benefits.

To initially apply for Social Security disability benefits the applicant must meet both the medical and work history requirements to be eligible to qualify for SSD benefits. The medical requirement includes that the disabled individual suffers from a medical condition that is severe enough that it prevents them from working and is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death. The disabled individual also must have worked long enough to earn enough work history credits to receive benefits. When a disabled individual believes they have met these requirements, but have been denied benefits, 4 levels of appeal are available to them.

Although this blog has discussed it before, it is important for Houston, Texas residents to be reminded from time to time that one does not always have to have a disability in order to qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.

Indeed, a Houston resident who has turned 65 years old, even if she is otherwise perfectly healthy, can qualify for Supplemental Security Income. SSI benefits are available to individuals over 65 who otherwise meet the legal requirements for receiving this benefit.