Dallas Social Security Disability Law Blog

There have been a number of attacks lately on the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program concerning too much money supposedly being paid out to new clients. However, one out-of-state attorney's opinion concerning this controversy is shared by attorneys that handle these claims in Dallas as well.

The claimants that receive SSD generally are severely disabled and often in pain. Their injuries are backed up by objective medical data, and in too many circumstances the individual can injure themselves even more severely by trying to work through the injuries.

Reports of Social Security Disability (SSDI) going insolvent making the news of late has triggered a number of assumptions about recipients that are incorrect. Whatever else may be said about the program, there is a certain criteria that needs to be met before anyone in Dallas can actually collect SSDI.

Anyone receiving money under SSDI has needed to have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years. Also, anyone collecting must have some sort of proof that a disability exists that prevents them from performing work. This includes doctor statements that backup a diagnosis of disability. Also, individuals must undergo a recertification process on various occasions demonstrating that the disability preventing them from working still exits.

Though there are a number of tips that individuals may try when applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, the application process is confusing and time consuming for most applicants. There are certain conditions as to how long someone has worked and how recently one has worked before many individuals can collect their disability payments.

Perhaps most confusing is the definition of disability itself when applying for these benefits. What impairment a person may have, it must (1) prevent that individual from performing any sort of work for at least 12 months; or (2) the condition must be considered terminal. Proving that a condition can fit such criteria can often be extremely difficult. 

There are a number of options for a disabled worker in Dallas while collecting Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Because of the disabilities they suffer, these individuals are rewarded in a slight way at least concerns Social Security benefits as opposed to a non-disabled worker.

For example, a 62-year old worker could collect disability benefits up to the age of retirement without any reduction in the benefit. When reaching retirement, these disabled workers are then entitled to receive full retirement benefits. In contrast, a non-disable worker that retires at the age of 62 would be entitled to approximately 25 percent less in benefits than the disabled worker.