When you’re involved in a serious accident and end up suffering a disability, it can throw your entire life into a tailspin. You may not be sure how you’re going to support yourself or what you’ll be able to do in the future.
A spinal cord injury could help you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD). To obtain SSD, you’ll need to show that you have a disability that is expected to lead to your death or that you’ll have for 12 months or longer. You’ll have to show that you cannot participate in substantial gainful activity, meaning that you can’t bring in a normal income.
If you can still work part-time, could you obtain disability?
It really depends on your situation. With SSD, the Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to see that you’re unable to bring in an income due to your disability. If you can adapt to a new job and potentially earn a living through it, then it’s unlikely that you’d be able to get approved. However, if you’re talking about a simple one-off job for an hour or two here and there, it may still be allowed. This is something you should discuss with your attorney, especially if you are getting to a situation where you may be able to adapt to a new kind of work.
Social Security Disability is a very specific benefit, and it isn’t right for everyone. Your attorney will work with you to show that you’re disabled and cannot work enough to support yourself if you are denied following your application. You will need to keep documentation about your injury, and you may want to learn more about the steps to qualify through the Social Security Administration.