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Hank Menard
Autumn Menard
Angela Menard
Melissa Ryder
Karie Harold
Aubree Ryder
It looks like you’re already receiving SSDI benefits, which is great.You may be eligible for Social Security’s Ticket to Work program, which lets you explore working again without immediately losing your SSDI.We recommend learning more about Ticket to Work and how it could help you safely test a return to work.
Based on what you’ve shared, you’re still working and don’t plan to stop because of your health. SSDI is for people who can’t keep working at a “substantial” level because of a serious medical condition. Whether you’re still eligible for SSDI despite your work is a complicated question that depends on how much you’re making and whether you are self-employed or a W2 worker. If you’re only working part-time or making a very low monthly income, the best way to determine if you’re eligible despite your current work, is to contact Social Security directly.
Based on what you shared, it doesn’t sound like your condition is expected to prevent you from working for at least 12 months.Social Security Disability benefits are generally for people whose medical condition is expected to last at least one year (or result in death) and significantly limit their ability to work.This doesn’t mean your condition isn’t serious, or that you’ll never qualify. If your health worsens, your ability to work changes, or your condition lasts longer than expected, it may make sense to revisit this in the future.
That’s great! If you’re happy with the lawyer that’s helping you, it’s usually best to continue with them, since they already know the details of your case and where it stands in the process. However, if you’re unhappy with their representation, you have the right to change representatives. To facilitate this process, you should first ask your current attorney for a letter of withdrawal that includes a waiver of their fee. Once you have this, you can easily hire a new representative.
If you have a diagnosis from a doctor, and have received treatment for the disabling condition in the past, you may still be eligible for SSDI. However, it’s important that you re-engage with medical treatment so that you have current evidence to support your claim. If you have never seen a doctor for the condition that prevents you from working, you should seek medical care prior to applying.
Example: I have degenerative disc disease and chronic back pain. I can’t stand or sit for long periods, have difficulty lifting more than 10 pounds, and miss work frequently due to pain flare-ups.
If you’re under 18, Social Security uses a different standard to determine disability. You should seek legal advice from an attorney who works on children’s cases.
It looks like there may not be enough recent work history to meet Social Security’s requirements. SSDI uses work credits to decide who qualifies, and the number needed can change by age. If you’re unsure how many credits you have, contact Social Security directly to check your eligibility. If you’re not eligible for SSDI, you may still be eligible for SSI. Reach out to Social Security to find out.
