How Does the SSA Evaluate Delaware Disability Claims?
If you were just injured and find yourself struggling to perform the same job requirements you were able to before, then you may qualify for Delaware disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, the SSA does not just offer disability benefits to anyone. One step that can save you a lot of time is making sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements before applying. An experienced Delaware Disability Lawyer can help you through the application process.
WHAT MAKES ME ELIGIBLE FOR DELAWARE DISABILITY BENEFITS?
Before filling out the first disability benefits application, you can save yourself a lot of time by checking whether you meet the Delaware disability eligibility requirements first. It is better to find out you do not qualify than to spend time collecting documents, filling out forms, and 
submitting evidence and then find out you were ineligible the whole time. If you are unsure whether you could qualify, then consider consulting with a disability lawyer about your disability.
The main disability eligibility requirements revolve around the SSA definition of a disability and your work history. A disability can be mental or physical, but if the disability does not impair your ability to work in substantial ways, then the SSA may pass up your application. Your disability needs to prevent you from adapting to your job and must be expected to last at least 12 months or lead to premature death.
When it comes to SSA work requirements in 2021, you must either not be able to work at all or make less than $1,310 a month. Otherwise, the SSA cannot consider you disabled. You will need to meet additional work requirements if you are applying for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program instead of the Delaware Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. For SSDI, you need enough work credits acquired through past jobs to qualify.
HOW MUCH MEDICAL EVIDENCE DO I NEED TO SUBMIT IN DELAWARE?
In addition to disability and work requirements, you also need to meet the Delaware disability evidentiary requirements. Evidentiary requirements mean you need to collect as much medical evidence as you can gain access to and copies of. Some of the most common medical evidence associated with strong disability claims are:
- Lab test results
- Official diagnosis
- Doctor’s notes detailing your impairments
- History of your disability
You may think this is the last step for your eligibility requirements, but this depends on whether your doctor was able to provide enough information to the SSA. If the SSA requires more evidence, then you may be told to undergo a consultative examination by a health professional chosen by the SSA.
DISABILITY LAWYER IN DELAWARE
You do not have to handle the overwhelming disability benefits application process alone. Consider working with a Disability Attorney in Delaware if you run into obstacles in your application or have any questions about the process. Contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation. Our Delaware disability lawyers are located in Wilmington, Delaware and can help you build a strong disability claim.
