Social Security Disability Attorney Kevin Goldberg Interprets Important Eligibility Requirements for SSDI Applicants

WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRWEB) August 22, 2014

Kevin Goldberg, Social Security Disability Insurance attorney and partner at the Washington, D.C. law firm Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester, is addressing special considerations to qualify an individual for SSDI benefits under the Social Security Administration's definition of impairment. Recently, the firm has addressed the nuances of applying for and receiving benefits through its website's law blog.

"We understand that applying for benefits can be a daunting task," Goldberg said. "It's important for applicants to have an idea of the types of conditions the SSA considers qualifying for disability insurance so they can go into the process with confidence."

The Administration maintains an impairment listing manual, known as the blue book, which it uses to award SSDI benefits. An applicant may have a medical condition that is either physical or mental, both of which may make them eligible for benefits.(1)

Goldberg stresses that the Social Security Administration does not award partial disability to applicants, and that if the applicant's condition is not listed in the blue book it does not necessarily mean they are ineligible.

"It's important to remember that even if the SSA denies a claim the applicant can always appeal the decision. However, this must be done within 60 days of the denial, and the appeals process has several steps," said Goldberg.

"Applicants can contact an attorney to ensure their appeal is handled in a timely fashion, not just because of the administrative time limit but also because the benefits they are seeking are crucial to their wellbeing. The less time they spend waiting for an approval, the better," Goldberg said.

Non-medical requirements for SSDI eligibility include amassing 40 work credits, 20 of which should have been gained within the last 10 years of employment.(2) Younger workers may need less credits, however. These credits are based on total yearly wages at a job where the applicant paid into Social Security.(3)

Further requirements include earning less than $1,070 per month (as of 2014,) and having a qualifying disability the SSA considers "severe."(4) The administration will also consider whether the applicant's disability interferes with the work they do.(5)

Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester offers free legal help to any person with questions on applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or appealing a denial of benefits.

For more information, contact Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester by visiting gfmlawllc.com or by calling (888) 213-8140.

About Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester
Working with clients in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area (MD, DC, VA,) the attorneys of Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester are passionate about helping those injured as a result of the negligence of others pursue the justice they deserve. The firm's skilled team has the legal and technical knowledge to litigate complex cases, offering representation for victims of auto accidents, product liability, workers' compensation, social security disability, and wrongful death, among other areas. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester at (888) 213-8140.

Goldberg, Finnegan & Mester
1821 Jefferson PI, NW, Suite 331
Washington, D.C. MD 20036
1-202-887-5533

1. Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Part III, Listing of Impairments, http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-impairments.htm, 2014

2-5. How We Decide if You Are Disabled, http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm#a0=-1&sb=3, 2014

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