Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits to people who are disabled and who have earned enough work credits in a recent time period to qualify. There are different types of benefits and numerous people who can receive them. Minnesota disability benefits are available if you meet several criteria.

What types of disability benefits are available?

• Money Benefits

People who are approved for disability benefits will receive a check each month they are disabled.

• Medical Benefits

People who are approved for Social Security Disability Benefits will receive Medicare automatically after they have received disability benefits for two years.

How do I qualify for disability benefits?

In general, to get disability benefits, you must meet two different earnings tests:

1. A “recent work” test based on your age at the time you became disabled; and

2. A “duration of work” test to show that you worked long enough under Social Security’s rules.

• Recent Work Test

This test generally requires that people have worked five out of the 10 yeas before they become disabled.

• Duration of Work Test

This test generally requires that the person have an average of six years of work if they 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.

Who can receive disability benefits?

• Disabled Workers

People who have worked long enough and recent enough to qualify for disability benefits are eligible for disability benefits if they have a condition that meets Social Security’s definition of “disability.” A MN disability lawyer can help explain your potential disability benefits.

• Surviving Spouses and Children

Some surviving spouses of insured workers and children (disabled before age 22) of disabled, retired or deceased workers are also eligible for Social Security disability benefits. These people include:

• Spouses age 62 and older;

• Spouses who are caring for a disabled person’s child who is disabled or younger than 16;

• Unmarried children including adopted children under age 18 or age 19 if they are in elementary or high school full time; and

• Unmarried children age 18 or older if they have a disability (defined by Social Security’s definition of a disabled adult) that started before they were age 22.

How much will I receive if I become disabled?

The amount of money that you will receive for disability benefits depends on how much you have paid in Social Security taxes. The Social Security Statement that you receive in the mail each year provides an estimate of this amount.

Mark Rogers is the author of this article on MN disability lawyers. Find more information about Minnesota disability lawyers here.

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