As long as you meet the requirements, you are entitled to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, it can be very difficult to meet these requirements, and your work history and your current line of work can affect whether you will receive SSDI benefits. If you are concerned about your claim being denied, the first person you should talk to is a Social Security Disability lawyer.

Work Credits

To be able to receive SSDI benefits, you will need to have earned a certain number of work credits. This comes from spending years paying taxes that are meant to pay for your disability insurance benefits.

Qualifying Conditions

Your ability to work is a major component of whether or not you are entitled to SSDI benefits. If you have one of several qualifying conditions and are not able to work, you will have a much easier time qualifying for benefits. If you do not fall under one of the qualifying conditions, you will need to prove that your condition will make it impossible for you to work.

This is one of the circumstances where a lawyer comes in. A lawyer will communicate with the SSA and make a case for why your injuries prevent you from working.

Gainful Employment

You may not be earning "substantial gainful employment." This is a specific amount you are not able to earn to qualify and is raised on a regular basis. If your income falls below this amount, such as if you are only working part-time, you may still qualify for SSDI benefits.

Skills and Education

Your education level and the type of work you performed in the past can determine whether you are able to receive benefits. For example, if you are able to transition into a different line of work due to the fact that you hold an advanced degree, you may not be able to receive SSDI benefits.

The Ticket to Work Program

However, if you are injured and qualify for benefits, you might wish to return to work under the "Ticket to Work" program. For an entire year, you will be able to earn as much as you want and you will be able to continue to receive benefits.

This is in order to test whether you are able to work yet. If you find that it is too difficult to continue to work, you can leave your profession and continue to receive benefits. Regardless of which decision you choose, it's a good idea to consult with a Social Security Disability lawyer beforehand.

Contact a Social Security Disability lawyer for more information.