Minnesota Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI” for short) offers benefits for disabled individuals. These SSDI disability benefits are available for people who have paid Social Security taxes and worked long enough, and recent enough, before becoming disabled. Many people do not ever consider that they will become disabled; however, it is wise to be informed about these SSDI Disability Benefits should it ever occur.
Who is Eligible for SSDI Disability Benefits?
In order to be eligible for SSDI Disability Benefits, you must be “disabled” under Social Security’s rules, and have enough work credits.
• Disability Definition
Social Security Defines “Disability” a medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last at least one year, and that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity, or a medical condition that is expected to result in death. This is a very strict definition of “disability” required by federal law.
Social Security also has a Listing of Impairments that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify a person for SSDI. If your medical condition is listed on the Listing of Impairments, or meets a condition on this list, then you will be considered disabled. There are Listings for many different types of impairments and conditions. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding these listings. We provide Minnesota disability services throughout MN.
• Disability Work Credits
In general, to get SSDI disability benefits, you must meet two different earnings tests:
1. A “recent work” test based on your age at the time you became disabled, which generally requires that people have worked five out of the 10 yeas before they become disable; and
2. A “duration of work” test to show that you worked long enough under Social Security’s rules, which generally requires that you have an average of six years of work if you are between ages 30 and 60. People ages 27 and younger need 1 ½ years of work. Certain blind workers have to meet only the “duration of work” test
What types of MN SSDI Disability Benefits are Available?
There are two main SSDI Minnesota Disability Benefits:
• Money Benefits
People who are approved for disability benefits will receive a check each month they are disabled. The amount depends on how much they have paid in Social Security taxes when they were working.
• Medical Benefits
People who are approved for Social Security Disability Benefits will receive Medicare automatically after they have received disability benefits for two years. Medicare is public health insurance that will pay for medical treatment.
We offer a free no-obligation consultation if you need help with a disability application or have been denied disability benefits. Our Minnesota disability lawyers are ready to help.