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What Are the Non-Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability?

On Behalf of | Jul 19, 2019 | Social Security Disability

Financial And Legal Standards

According to the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, approximately 10 million Americans are currently receiving disability benefits. To be eligible for these benefits, an applicant must meet the basic medical & disability requirements. However, medical requirements are just one step in the claims process.

To get disability benefits through SSI or SSDI, there are also financial and legal standards that must be satisfied. In this article, our experienced Tacoma Social Security disability lawyers provide an overview of the non-medical requirements for Social Security disability claims.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Claims

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is funded out of the SSA’s trust fund. Every employee in the country – whether a wage earner or a self-employed professional – is required to pay into this trust fund when they earn income. After you pay in the required amount, you will become ‘insured’ under SSDI.

To obtain SSDI benefits, you must have paid into the system. If you are not insured, then you will not meet the non-medical requirements – and your claim will be denied on those grounds.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claims

In contrast to SSDI, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program does not require applicants to pay into the system before drawing benefits. Instead, the non-medical requirements are based strictly on need. There is a so-called ‘means test.’

The SSI claims reviewer will review the applicant’s income and financial assets. If they have too much income or their assets are too substantial, then their disability will be denied on the grounds they do not meet the non-medical requirements.

A Claims Representative Will Evaluate Non-Medical Eligibility

Whether you are filing an SSDI disability claim, SSI disability claim, or both types of claims, a trained claims representative from the Social Security Administration will review your application for non-medical eligibility. In fact, this review typically comes before any medical review. In other words, the reviewer will make sure you meet all relevant financial and legal requirements.

Assuming you do meet all of the non-medical requirements, then your claim will advance to the next level of review. At this point in the process, the medical evidence or disability-related evidence you submitted as part of your application will then be reviewed to ensure you also meet the medical standards. Only when all requirements are satisfied will disability benefits be approved.

Speak to Our Tacoma, WA Social Security Disability Lawyers Right Away

At the Alliance Law Group, our skilled Washington Social Security disability attorneys are committed to providing strong, effective legal representation to our clients. To arrange a free, fully confidential review of your disability claim, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today at 253-300-2055. From our office in University Place, we serve claimants in Tacoma and throughout the surrounding communities, including:

  • Pierce County
  • King County
  • Thurston County