If you have a disability that impairs your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. These benefits provide ongoing compensation to help you support yourself and your family members. Still, the Social Security Administration denies most first-time applications for benefits.
You should not let an initial denial discourage you. After all, you can probably ask an administrative law judge to hear your case and render a decision. When you attend the hearing, you should expect to answer a few work-related questions.
Are you currently working?
SSDI benefits are available to individuals who have a disability that negatively affects their ability to work. Consequently, the ALJ or someone else may ask if you are currently working. If so, you should explain your job duties and provide other details about your employment.
Have you tried working?
If you are not currently working because of your disability, the ALJ is likely to want to know whether you have tried working. If you have, you should explain your experience, including how your disability impairs your ability to work or to find work.
What kind of work have you done?
Whether you are working or not, the ALJ may explore your work history. When asking about your past employment, the ALJ is looking to find out about your job duties. You may also need to discuss previous jobs and your reasons for leaving them.
Even though your work abilities and history are only part of your eligibility for SSDI benefits, how you answer work-related questions may make a big difference. Ultimately, preparing to answer questions about your work for the previous 15 years may boost your chances of receiving the SSDI benefits you deserve.
