How Does Social Security Decide You Qualify for Benefits in Bartlesville?
Social Security approaches every case in Bartlesville with the same evaluation process it uses across the country. It’s not enough to be in poor health to qualify—you must show you can’t work for at least a year because of your medical condition.
This is their definition of disability. To determine whether you qualify, Social Security will ask five questions:
Administration looks at these key qualifications:
- Are you engaging in “substantial gainful activity?” This is Social Security’s way of asking whether you’re working and making too much money to be eligible for disability benefits. In 2025, the limit was $1,620 a month. If you earn more than SGA, your claim will be denied.
- Is your condition severe? Social Security considers an impairment to be “severe” if it keeps you from working for at least 12 months or if it clearly will eventually be fatal.
- Is your condition recognized by Social Security? Social Security maintains a “blue book” of medical conditions that qualify for benefits. If your condition is on it, it shows you a path to winning your case. If it’s not there, don’t give up. Social Security will also consider how your symptoms overall impact your ability to work.
- Can you do work you have done previously? Social Security will look at your work history from the past five years to see if you can do any of those jobs even with your condition. If not, your case will move on to the final question.
- Can you do any other work? Social Security will consider your age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills to see if there are any other types of work you can do. If they find you can’t, they’ll deem you eligible for benefits.
At Troutman & Troutman, our Oklahoma disability lawyers have over 150 years of combined legal experience, and we can help you answer these questions before you even reach out to Social Security.
Best of all, you pay no attorney fees until you win your benefits.
Understand Your Eligibility with Help from a Bartlesville Disability Lawyer
The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits in Bartlesville and nationwide is tough, and it takes more than medical expertise.
It’s about laws and regulations, and that is where an experienced Bartlesville disability lawyer gives you a clear advantage.
You can bring in a disability lawyer at any stage in your Social Security application process, but the best time is from the very beginning.
Our team at Troutman & Troutman can evaluate your case for free and help you figure out if you meet Social Security’s qualifications for disability benefits. We can find the strengths and weaknesses in your claim before you apply.
We will help you gather all the evidence you need to build the strongest case possible. This includes finding medical records, work history documents, and talking to your doctors to make sure you have done everything you need to manage your health.
And we’re local, with an office in Tulsa. National law firms will make bold promises, but they don’t know the medical professionals, the Social Security administrators, and the hearing judges in Oklahoma the way we do.
Bartlesville may be small, but it’s a special place. The Troutman & Troutman team knows this. We have been here for years, and our combined legal experience can take away the guesswork for you when you’re too sick to work.
If you are wondering if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, let us help you take that first step toward financial stability and peace of mind.
Start with a free claim consultation from our Bartlesville disability attorneys.
Wherever You Are in the Disability Benefits Process, We Can Help
You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Disability Attorneys Answer Your Questions about Social Security
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
SSD Questions & Answers »
