If you can’t work due to a disabling condition in Oklahoma, be aware that you may qualify for disability benefits through the U.S Social Security Administration (SSA). Short-term and long-term disability benefits in Oklahoma are also available through an employer’s insurance for State employees.
Disability benefits consist of monthly payments that help disabled people cover the cost of food, shelter, and other such basics. The following overview will cover your options and explain why discussing this matter with a lawyer is a smart way to proceed when applying for benefits.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Oklahoma
The SSA defines a disability as a condition preventing someone from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If someone can’t participate in SGA, that means they can’t earn a certain minimum amount of money every month. What qualifies as SGA changes as the cost of living increases.
A disability, per the SSA’s definition, can be physical or mental in nature. To show that a condition fulfills the criteria for a disability according to the SSA, you must show medical evidence indicating a condition is likely to result in death or last at least 12 months. If your condition has already lasted 12 months by the time you apply for disability benefits, you can show medical evidence proving this.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Oklahoma?
A brief overview can’t list all the conditions that may qualify someone for disability benefits in Oklahoma. Check the SSA’s Blue Book if you have questions about whether your condition qualifies as a disability.
This resource lists over 200 conditions that may qualify someone for disability benefits. It also provides information about the type of evidence and documentation you may need to submit to show you meet disability requirements in OK. Even if there isn’t a specific listing for your condition, there may be a listing that applies to conditions like yours.
As you research how to qualify for disability in Oklahoma, keep in mind that you’ll also need to show how a condition limits your working ability. You might also have to show that you’ve earned sufficient “work credits” to qualify for disability benefits in Oklahoma. The next section of this guide will elaborate on that topic.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Oklahoma
When seeking disability benefits in Oklahoma, you have two primary options to consider:
Familiarize yourself with the differences between the two. You don’t want to waste time applying for a form of benefits you’re not eligible to receive. A lawyer can help if you have additional questions about which program is right for you.
Oklahoma Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
You may qualify for SSDI if you’ve earned at least 40 work credits over the course of your career. Typically, you need to have earned 20 of those work credits within the 10 years before you became disabled to qualify for SSDI. However, the SSA sometimes makes exceptions for those who haven’t earned sufficient work credits if they’re too young to have substantial work experience.
Someone earns a certain number of work credits for every year they work and pay into the Social Security system. Thus, you can’t qualify for SSDI if you haven’t worked and paid into Social Security in the past.
A person’s income determines how many work credits they earn in a year. Currently, the maximum number of work credits someone can earn in a year is four.
Oklahoma Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is an option to consider if you don’t have a work history or haven’t earned sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI. Unlike SSDI, SSI is a purely needs-based program. To qualify for SSI, you must show all the following:
- Your income is minimal or non-existent
- Your resources are minimal or non-existent
- You have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition, or you’re over the age of 65
If you do qualify for SSI, make sure you track whenever you spend SSI funds on a child’s expenses. Documenting how you use SSI funds can ensure you continue receiving a fair sum.
State of Oklahoma Disability Programs
You may qualify for short-term disability benefits or long-term disability benefits through an employer’s insurer if you work for a participating government agency or institution in the State of Oklahoma. These programs are alternatives to SSI and SSDI that, depending on the circumstances, may better suit your needs.
Short-Term Benefits
After a 30-day elimination period, short-term disability benefits may pay up to $2,500 a month for up to 150 days when a disabled State employee can no longer work.
Long-Term Benefits
If a State employee is disabled for a longer period of time, they may seek this form of benefits. It pays up to $3,000 per month and kicks in 180 days after a worker becomes disabled.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Oklahoma
Learning how to apply for disability in the State of Oklahoma can be overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to seek benefits alone. An Oklahoma disability lawyer can assist you in many ways right now. Examples include:
- Helping determine if you qualify for disability benefits in Oklahoma
- Reviewing the details of your case to determine specifically what type of benefits you may be eligible for
- Completing and submitting paperwork
- Gathering evidence to show you meet requirements
- Appealing an initial denial
These are just some of the benefits of working with a lawyer. For more information about what an attorney can do for you, take the Free Case Evaluation today.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Oklahoma?
How much does disability pay in Oklahoma? The maximum monthly SSI benefit is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for couples in 2024. For SSDI, the maximum monthly benefit is $3,822.
Our disability calculator can help you better determine how much you may receive if you qualify for either of these programs. Although no one can guarantee you’ll receive a specific amount, discussing the topic with a lawyer can help you better understand what you may qualify for.
