Workers who become disabled or develop debilitating health conditions may need to stop working because of their symptoms. However, losing work means losing income, which can leave individuals in a precarious financial situation. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration operates disability insurance programs to provide disabled workers with essential financial assistance.
If you’re no longer able to work due to injury or illness, contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons for a free initial case review with an SSDI lawyer in Oklahoma. We’ll explain the details of the Social Security Administration’s disability benefits program and see whether you may qualify for monthly compensation. Consultations are without obligation and fully confidential.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to workers who become unable to work because of a permanent or prolonged medical condition or disability. Workers who qualify for SSDI can receive monthly checks based on their contributions to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. SSDI can provide critical financial assistance to individuals who must stop working because of a debilitating medical condition or disability.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
The Social Security Administration provides SSDI benefits for workers who become disabled and unable to work. A person can qualify for SSDI if their disability or medical condition prevents them from working enough in employment or self-employment to earn more than a specific amount of monthly income.
In addition to having a disability that prevents one from earning a living, a person must have a sufficient work history to qualify for SSDI.
How the Social Security Administration Determines Disability
A disability that qualifies an individual for SSDI benefits must meet three criteria. First, the disability must have lasted for at least 12 months, or doctors expect it to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The disability must also prevent a person from earning more than the monthly income amount the SSA has deemed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, which increases periodically with inflation. Finally, a disability must preclude an individual from performing work they have previously done or adjust to other work, given their experience and education.
How Work Credits Impact SSDI Eligibility
The SSDI program requires that applicants have a sufficient work history, measured by the number of work credits they have earned, before they can receive benefits. A person earns a work credit by earning a certain amount of taxable income, up to a maximum of four credits per year. Most workers need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the 10 years before the onset of disability, to become eligible for SSDI, although younger workers may need fewer credits.
Common Medical Conditions That Qualify for SSDI
Examples of conditions that frequently lead to SSDI applications include the following:
- Severe arthritis or degenerative disc disease
- Major depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Psychiatric disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Heart failure or coronary artery disease
- COPD
- Chronic kidney disease
What to Do If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied
Many people have their SSDI applications denied on initial review. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration offers an appeals process to challenge a denial. The SSA has a three-step appeals process:
- Reconsideration – The SSA will have another claims examiner review the application anew, along with any new medical evidence the applicant provides.
- Administrative Hearing – An applicant can further challenge a denial by requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to argue their case.
- Appeals Council Review – An applicant can appeal an ALJ’s decision to the SSA’s Appeals Council.
Why Choose Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons for Your SSDI Claim?
When you need to apply for SSDI, you already face serious medical or mental health issues. At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we work diligently to protect your rights and help you secure the financial assistance you need. As one of our Social Security disability clients noted about their experience with our firm:
“So very pleased to have Phil Ryan as my attorney on my Social Security disability case. He and his support staff were so helpful during the whole process. Mr. Ryan was extremely prepared for my hearing. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation!”
– Cindy C.
Our firm has a proven track record of success guiding workers through the SSDI application process. We have helped numerous individuals secure SSDI benefits, including back pay for time spent waiting for approval of their applications. Our results have earned us numerous awards and opportunities to speak before our industry peers at events organized by the Oklahoma Bar Association and other legal professional organizations.
FAQs
The following are some of the most common questions we get about understanding Social Security disability insurance:
How do I know if I qualify for SSDI?
You may qualify for SSDI if you can no longer work enough to earn more than the monthly income threshold for substantial gainful employment and if you have a sufficient work history (including recent work) based on your age.
Can I receive both SSDI and SSI?
A person can receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits simultaneously if they qualify for both programs, as the SSI program provides benefits to low-income households. However, SSDI benefits count as income under the SSI program, which can offset SSI benefits.
How much does an SSDI lawyer cost?
Social Security regulations limit how much an SSDI lawyer can charge for fees. As of July 2026, current regulations limit an attorney to collecting no more than 25 percent of the past-due benefits awarded to an applicant, up to a maximum of $9,200.
How long does an appeal take?
Each stage of the SSDI appeal process can take months to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and the SSA’s case backlog.
Is there a deadline to appeal a denial?
An SSDI applicant has 60 days from the date they receive notice of a decision they wish to appeal to pursue a subsequent stage of the SSA’s administrative appeals process.
Contact an Oklahoma SSDI Lawyer Today
Have you suffered a catastrophic injury or developed a chronic health condition that prevents you from continuing in the workforce? If so, you may be eligible for monthly financial benefits through the SSDI program. Contact Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Oklahoma SSDI lawyer to get the experienced legal guidance and advocacy you need. Your case review is fully confidential.
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