How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Ohio

Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.

Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.

Has an impairment deprived you of your ability to work in Ohio? If you can’t work, you can’t earn money to cover your basic living costs.

Luckily, the US Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits in Ohio and throughout the nation to individuals and couples who can’t work due to medical conditions. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to qualify for disability in Ohio. Just keep in mind that the SSA actually denies most initial applications for disability. Strongly consider enlisting the help of a legal professional to improve your chances of receiving the benefits for which you may be eligible.

Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Ohio

The SSA defines a disability as an impairment that prevents someone from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means their impairment prevents them from earning a specific sum of money. For example, someone who isn’t blind may be unable to participate in SGA in 2024 if they earn less than $1,550 a month.

For a condition to qualify as a disability, it must also be medically likely to either:

  • Last at least 12 months, or
  • Result in an individual’s death

What Conditions Qualify For Disability In Ohio?

The SSA lists over 200 impairments and conditions that might qualify someone for disability benefits in Ohio. Check the SSA’s Blue Book to learn more about whether your condition meets the criteria. The Blue Book will also provide information about the medical documentation and other such evidence you might need to supply to prove you have a disabling condition.

As you learn about how to qualify for disability in Ohio, keep in mind that having a disabling condition isn’t always enough to qualify someone for benefits. For example, depending on the type of benefits program you’re applying to, you may need to show you’ve earned sufficient “work credits” in the past before an impairment limited your working ability.

Types of Disability Benefits Available in Ohio

Social Security disability in Ohio comes in two primary forms:

As you learn how to apply for disability in Ohio, be aware that the application process can vary depending on what type of benefits you’re seeking.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is available if you’ve paid into the Social Security system in the past. Additionally, you must have earned sufficient work credits to receive SSDI.

A person may currently receive up to four work credits per year of work they perform in the US. The following breakdown illustrates how work credits influence someone’s eligibility for SSDI:

  • If you’re under the age of 24, you might qualify for SSDI if you’ve earned six credits within a period of three years preceding the start of your disability.
  • If you’re between the ages of 24 and 31, you might receive SSDI if you’ve earned half as many work credits as the number of years between when you turned 21 and when you first became disabled. For example, perhaps you became disabled at 25. Because there are four years between 21 and 25, you will need to have earned at least two work credits to be eligible for SSDI.
  • If you’re over the age of 31, you may qualify for SSDI if you’ve earned at least 20 work credits in the 10 years immediately preceding when you developed an impairment.

These requirements can change. Be sure to check for updates if several years have passed between when this was published and when you’re applying for disability benefits in Ohio.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You can qualify for SSI if the following are all true:

  • You have a disabling condition or you’re over the age of 65.
  • You have little to no income.
  • You have little to no financial resources.

Be sure to document how you use SSI funds, particularly if you use said funds to cover a child’s expenses.

The key difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSI is essentially needs-based. Unlike with SSDI, you don’t need to show that you’ve earned work credits or paid into the Social Security system to qualify for SSI.

Gathering Documentation Required for Disability Applications

Again, the Blue Book will contain information about the specific types of documentation you may need to include in your disability benefits application based on the nature of your impairment. Carefully check the relevant entry and make sure you’ve gathered all necessary documentation before applying. An incomplete application can result in delays that prevent you from accessing funds you may need.

You have multiple options to consider when applying for disability benefits in Ohio. They include:

  • Applying online
  • Calling 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing) to set an appointment to discuss applying
  • Visiting your local Ohio Social Security office and applying in person

Choose the option that’s most convenient for you. Also, consider the fact that gathering medical evidence and other such documentation isn’t something you need to handle on your own. A lawyer can help you document your disability to strengthen your application. They can also handle other tasks the process may involve, like completing and submitting paperwork.

How To Find A Disability Lawyer Taking Cases In Ohio

Hiring a Social Security disability attorney can improve your chances of receiving an approval from the SSA when you apply for benefits. From reviewing your case to handling paperwork, there are many ways a lawyer can assist you.

Get started today by taking the free case evaluation. Applying for disability benefits in Ohio should seem much less intimidating after speaking with an independent lawyer who may be able to help with your case.

How Much Disability Can You Receive in Ohio?

Currently, the maximum monthly payment for SSDI is $3,822 per month. For SSI, maximum monthly payments are $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples. However, many factors can influence how much you might expect to receive. Speak with a disability lawyer or use our disability benefits calculator for more information.

Additional Ohio Disability Resources

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!