If you suffer from an injury or disabling condition that prevents you from working, you may be considering applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). No matter what sort of benefits you apply for, you must qualify as disabled as well as meet certain qualifications. If you want to qualify for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, the qualifications you must meet are largely based upon your work history.
The SSA has two different gauges by which to evaluate your work history. The first of these is called the “Duration of Work Test.” To pass this test, the disabled worker must have earned at least 40 credits of work in a position that paid taxes into the SSA. These 40 credits equal about 10 years.
Even if you pass the Duration of Work Test, you must still pass another test before fully qualifying for SSDI benefits. This test is called the “Recent Work Test.” We will discuss the specifics of that test in Friday’s post. However, some people who suffer from blindness only have to pass the Duration of Work Test, not the Recent Work test. An experienced attorney can help you understand whether you qualify for this exemption.
Applying for benefits, knowing which programs to apply for and knowing how your case may be received can be frustrating. Contact our Tulsa Social Security Disability lawyers for more information on navigating this confusing time. We can help you get the benefits you need. You may reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404. We also offer free evaluations of your case
