STARTING POINT / YOURABLECASE
Could disability benefits be an option?
Get oriented before you apply. These questions can help you understand what SSA considers, but only SSA can decide eligibility.
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Start with your current situation
The starting point is how your medical condition affects your ability to do substantial work and how long that limitation is expected to last. SSA applies a detailed disability evaluation; different rules apply to children and certain other groups.
- Have you stopped working or substantially reduced work because of a health condition?
- Is your condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death?
- Do you have treatment history or medical information about your limitations?
- Have you applied before, or received a written decision?
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Which program might fit?
SSDI may fit
If you worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough qualifying work credits.
SSI may fit
If you meet applicable needs-based financial rules and the disability, blindness, or age criteria.
Both may apply
Some people can qualify for both programs. SSA evaluates each benefit under different rules.
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What a case review is—and is not
Our short intake gathers enough information to route your request for initial screening. It does not collect your Social Security number, detailed records or bank information.
A review request is not an eligibility decision, an official application, or an offer of representation. If timing is important, file directly with SSA.
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Your next practical move
- Identify your stage
New application, pending claim, denial, hearing, or other situation.
- Get your key dates
If SSA has sent a decision, have its notice date and instructions available.
- Choose your channel
Use SSA for official filings; use YOURABLECASE to request a law-firm review.
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions worth asking.
Is there a quick online test that guarantees eligibility?
No. SSA weighs medical, vocational, financial, and work-history information depending on the program.
Does age matter?
Age can affect certain vocational rules and may affect how SSI or SSDI eligibility is evaluated.
Is receiving workers’ compensation the same as SSDI?
No. They are different programs, and interactions or offsets can apply.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Get a clearer direction.
Tell our intake team where you are in the process. There is no obligation to request a review.