Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

No matter your age, you may qualify for monetary benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if you have a disability that prevents you from working. To qualify, you must have accrued a sufficient number of “work credits” by working jobs covered by Social Security. The process for obtaining SSDI benefits can be immensely challenging, and many claims are denied by the Social Security Administration (SSA). A capable legal representative can help increase your odds of success.

Our Indianapolis Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers are prepared to guide you every step of the way when you are attempting to apply for SSDI benefits or if your claim has been denied. At Pinyerd Disability Law, LLC, we have handled thousands of cases and won millions for our clients. You will work directly with our attorneys, and we will do everything possible to secure the benefits you need and deserve. Because SSDI is a federal program, we are able to take cases from every state.

Not all disabilities make someone eligible for SSDI benefits. Partial and short-term disabilities do not qualify. To qualify for purposes of SSDI eligibility, a disability must:

Our Indianapolis Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers are prepared to guide you every step of the way when you are attempting to apply for SSDI benefits or if your claim has been denied. At Pinyerd Disability Law, LLC, we have handled thousands of cases and won millions for our clients. You will work directly with our attorneys, and we will do everything possible to secure the benefits you need and deserve. Because SSDI is a federal program, we are able to take cases from every state.

Prevent an applicant from working

Have lasted or will last one year (or is expected to result in death)

Prevent an applicant from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA)

Understanding whether you qualify for SSDI benefits is not always easy. The program is intended to support Americans with physical or mental disabilities that will keep them from working for at least one year.

The SSDI program is distinct from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the other major program the SSA administrates, in two important ways. One, you do not necessarily need to have a disability to qualify for SSI if you are at least 65 years old. Two, SSI does not include any type of work requirement. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have enough “work credits.”

As of 2022, you must earn $1,510 in wages or self-employment income to obtain a work credit. This amount is adjusted annually, and you can earn up to four work credits each year. The number of work credits you need to qualify will depend on your age. The older you are, the more work credits you will need. A 35-year-old will only need 20 work credits, for example, while a 60-year-old will need 38.

You will also need to have worked recently to qualify for SSDI benefits. In most cases, you must have worked jobs covered by Social Security for at least five of the preceding ten years. You may not be able to get benefits if you stopped working for a prolonged period of time, even if you have accumulated the appropriate number of work credits.

Statistically, a majority of SSDI claims are denied. The SSA may allege you do not have sufficient work credits, you have not worked recently enough, or your disability does not qualify under the program’s rules. In some cases, even a simple procedural mistake can trigger a rejection. A denied claim does not mean you cannot eventually obtain the benefits you qualify for. No matter the circumstances, you have options for appealing.

Our Indianapolis Social Security Disability Income lawyers can carefully evaluate your situation and advise on your program eligibility. From there, we can help you gather the appropriate documentation and walk you through each stage of the application process. If your claim has already been denied, our team at Pinyerd Disability Law, LLC can work closely with you to pursue a strategic appeal.