Many Social Security disability applicants fail to realize that a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim is not just about whether an applicant is disabled. Of course medical information confirming the applicant meets the medical definition of disability is crucial in a Social Security disability case, but so is a strong work history.
Social Security disability benefits are awarded to applicants who have a medical condition that prevents them from working at a current job, past jobs, or any other work they may be qualified or able to do. That is why an applicant’s work history is critical in determining the applicant’s ability to maintaining gainful employment.
When discussing work history and an SSDI claim, it is valuable to have a sustained work history. This is important not only to meet the technical requirements of the SSDI program, but it also adds credibility to your disability claim. Before any medical determination may be made on an SSDI claim the technical requirements of the program must be met. The general rule of thumb is that an SSDI applicant must have worked at least five of the last 10 years (while paying Social Security taxes). This would probably give the applicant enough work credits to qualify for the program and make sure the applicant is still insured for the SSDI program.
Social Security will release a Summary Earnings Report for SSDI applicants, which dates back 15 years. That is why Social Security is interested in an applicant’s last 15 years of work history. An applicant’s work history dating back even further can speak to the applicant’s credibility in submitting a claim for disability (20 C.F.R. 404.1529(c)(3) and Social Security Ruling 96-7p). A strong work record bolsters an SSDI claim. A common sense conclusion to come to for an applicant who has worked for the last 30 years is why would that applicant apply for SSDI if he or she could work?
For more information about how work history can impact your SSDI case visit: http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page10-38.html.
