Most West Virginia workers don’t have disability insurance, and that could be a problem for those who are or become disabled. It is believed that 20 percent of workers will be disabled for a period of at least three months during their careers. However, it may be possible for someone with a disability to get benefits through Social Security. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program does have criteria that must be met before benefits are granted.
For instance, an individual may need to have a certain number of work credits to qualify. This is because the program is funded by payroll taxes that workers pay during their working lives. The good news for those who do qualify for SSDI is that there is no means test. In other words, a person’s income does not determine the amount of their monthly benefit payment.
Instead, a person’s benefit is based on their work record, and the amount that someone may be entitled to can be found online. In addition to having enough work credits, individuals must show that their disability will last for at least 12 months or will result in death. Furthermore, there must be adequate documentation that the disability exists and that it will not allow a person to hold down a job that they may otherwise be qualified for.
Those who have been denied disability benefits may wish to consult with an attorney. This may be beneficial because legal counsel may be able to document the extent of a person’s condition. Knowing how to show that the disability exists and is a legitimate hindrance to a person’s ability to work may increase the odds of obtaining benefits on appeal.