According to the Social Security Administration, a twenty-year-old has a 30% chance of becoming “disabled” prior to reaching retirement age. The SSA would define you as disabled if 1) you are unable to do the work you did before, 2) the SSA determines that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s), and 3) your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
The SSA recommends that you apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. Applying for benefits can be a lengthy and complicated process. You may wish to consider getting assistance with your disability application – the process for appealing SSA’s denial of benefits decision can be costly and time-consuming. Finding an experienced attorney may save you hours of work and worry.