Havertown, PA personal injury attorney Daniel J. Siegel discusses the conditions that qualify for SSDI and SSI. He notes that many people don’t fully realize that when taxes and Social Security are deducted from their paycheck, they are paying for two separate benefits. One portion funds retirement benefits, expected around age 65 to 70, while the other portion functions as disability insurance, known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program provides monthly benefits for individuals who suffer a wide range of injuries or medical conditions.

In his experience handling Social Security cases, he notes that the system generally categorizes claims into two buckets. The first is a list of specific medical conditions published by Social Security, ranging from orthopedic, neurological, and psychological disorders to cancers, asthma, and more. If an applicant meets the medical criteria and has paid enough into the system, they may qualify for benefits.

The second category applies to those who do not fit neatly into that list. In these cases, Social Security evaluates factors such as age, ability to perform work (sedentary, light, or medium), and education. Based on these factors, an individual may still qualify for disability benefits.

He emphasizes that many people underestimate the value of these benefits. Because they have already paid into the system, it’s important to take advantage of what they are entitled to. For example, if someone becomes disabled at age 50 and cannot work, SSDI protects their future Social Security retirement benefits from being reduced. Additionally, after receiving disability benefits for two years, individuals also qualify for Medicare, providing essential medical coverage.

Over his career, from his first job out of law school to the present, he has helped countless clients navigate Social Security Disability claims, underscoring that these benefits are funds they have already earned through their work and contributions.