Aston Social Security Disability Lawyer

Our work is our livelihood. Without it, we cannot support ourselves or our families. Unfortunately, many people become injured, sick, or develop medical conditions that prevent them from returning to work. To help make ends meet, workers with disabilities may apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Not everyone with a medical condition that makes it hard to work may be eligible for SSDI benefits. Generally, you must have a qualifying disability within the legal definition established by federal law, and you must be unable to perform “substantial gainful activity.” You also need a sufficient history of working and paying into Social Security. Benefits are often based on your income from before your disability arose, and benefits may also be available for surviving spouses and kids. Before filing your application, your lawyer can help you gather the records, documentation, and information needed to file your claim.

Call (215) 515-2954 and ask our Social Security disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates for a free case assessment.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits in Aston

To receive SSDI benefits, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Generally, there are two major requirements. You must have a qualifying disability, and you must be unable to work.

Having a qualifying disability is trickier than it sounds. Your condition must be a disability within the definition set by federal law under 20 C.F.R. § 404.1505(a). In short, your disability must be a medically determinable mental or physical condition that prevents you from doing any work and is expected to persist for at least 12 consecutive months or terminate in death.

If you are unsure whether your specific condition is considered a qualifying disability, you can check the listing of impairments on the SSA website.

Next, our Social Security disability attorneys must prove that you are unable to work. More specifically, you must be unable to perform what federal law refers to as substantial gainful activity (SGA) under § 404.1572. SGA is work that is both substantial and gainful. Work is substantial if it requires significant mental or physical activity and effort. Work is gainful if it is done for profit. However, profits do not necessarily have to be realized for the work to be considered gainful.

Finally, you must prove you have sufficient work history. Your work history may be measured by credits, and you can earn up to 4 credits per year. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned within the last 10 years. However, younger workers may be eligible with fewer credits.

Possible SSDI Benefits

One question most people applying for SSDI benefits have is about how much their benefits might be worth. This question is tricky to answer, as your benefits may be unique to your history of work and income.

Benefits Based on Income

Your benefits are typically based on your income from before your disability arose. Only the income on which you paid Social Security taxes may be factored into this calculation. The longer your work history, the more of your income that may be considered.

Those who earned a higher income over a longer period are more likely to receive greater SSDI payments. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment is $4,018, although the average payment is lower than this.

Benefits for Surviving Spouses

Some people with disabilities that prevent them from working are supported by a spouse. If their spouse passes away, they may claim SSDI benefits using their spouse’s work history.

First, an eligible surviving spouse must be between the ages of 50 and 60. Second, they must have a condition that meets the federal definition of a qualifying disability, and their disability must have arisen before or within 7 years of their spouse’s passing.

Benefits for Children

A child under 18 may receive benefits through a parent as a dependent, and their disability does not have to be considered. Normally, benefits stop when the child turns 18 or, if they are a full-time elementary or high school student, age 19.

An adult with a disability that started before they turned 22 may also claim benefits using their parent’s work history. The parent must be deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits. The child must be at least 18 and unmarried.

How to File an SSDI Claim in Aston

Dealing with the federal government is rarely simple or easy, and filing for SSDI benefits is no different. Applications for benefits are easily accessible, but you should get help from an attorney before getting started.

You can find the application for SSDI benefits online. If you would rather not apply online, you may arrange an appointment to apply for benefits in person or over the phone.

Whether you apply online or in person, you have a right to legal representation throughout the process. Your attorney can help you fill out your application in a way that avoids mistakes and provides complete and accurate information about your situation. Your attorney should help you submit the strongest application for benefits possible.

Gathering Records for Your SSDI Application

The application for benefits requires extensive information about you, your disability, and your work history. It can be challenging to ensure that everything is complete and accurate, and you need to gather a lot of specific records and documentation.

First, you need information about your physical or mental condition. We can gather your medical records and contact information for your doctors, in addition to other information about your disability.

Next, we need your personal information. Your name, address, Social Security number, banking information for direct deposits, and other personal details are necessary to identify you and make sure you get the correct benefits.

We must also submit information about your work history. This may include records of your earnings over the years, your work history from the last 5 years, and any other information about your work and income.

You must also give details about your family, including current and past marriages and the names and ages of your children.

Talk to Our Aston Social Security Disability Attorneys for Help

Call (215) 515-2954 and ask our Social Security disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates for a free case assessment.