Are you preparing to file for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program? You will be required to provide comprehensive work-related information along with your application. An incomplete or inaccurate application could lead to a delay or even outright denial of disability benefits. Within this article, our Arkansas Social Security disability lawyer provides an overview of work-related information that you must provide along with your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
- The Amount of Money Earned (Last Year)
Income history is key to any SSDI disability claim. Your recent earnings play a factor in determining your qualification and the amount of benefits that you are eligible to receive. As part of your SSDI application, it is imperative that you report the total income you earned in the year immediately preceding your claim. The figure helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) gauge your recent work history and determine your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). Your AIME is a significant factor in calculating the potential SSDI benefits you might be entitled to. You should generally be ready to provide proper documentation as evidence—W-2 forms, tax returns, etc.
- Name and Address of Your Employer
You are also required to provide the name, address, and contact information for your most recent employer. This should be the employer that you worked for when you became disabled and, thus, unable to continue substantial gainful activity (SGA). Among other things, your recent employer details help to ensure that the SSA understands the nature of your job and the kind of tasks you were responsible for in the workplace.
- A List of Up to Five Jobs (Over Last 15 Years)
Your work history matters for SSDI claims. The SSA explains that an applicant must have earned a sufficient amount of work credits—based on their age—to be eligible to get SSDI benefits. A worker in Arkansas can earn a maximum of four work credits per year. As part of your SSDI application, you should generally list the jobs that you had over the last fifteen years. The application generally only asks for jobs at five employers.
- Workers’ Comp Benefits
If you have received or are currently receiving workers’ comp benefits due to an injury or illness related to your job, it is crucial to inform the SSA. Workers’ compensation can affect the amount of SSDI benefits you receive. By federal law, the combined total of your SSDI benefits and your workers’ comp benefits can’t exceed 80% of your average earnings before you become disabled.
Set Up a Free Case Review With an Arkansas Social Security Disability Attorney
At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, our Arkansas Social Security disability lawyers are always prepared to put forward the time, resources, and attention to detail that you can count on. Have questions about work-related information you need to provide with your application? Contact us for a no cost, no obligation consultation. With an office in Rogers, we handle SSDI and SSI claims throughout Northwest Arkansas, including in Fort Smith, Harrison, Russellville, and Eureka Springs.