Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Episode Summary:

In this educational episode, attorney Deborah Susan Spector of Spector & Lenz breaks down the eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Deborah outlines the five-step evaluation used by the government, clarifies misconceptions about age, work history, and mental health conditions, and explains the appeals process in detail. This episode is essential listening for anyone unsure whether they or a loved one qualify for disability benefits.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 – Show introduction 01:10 – SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the difference? 03:22 – How the government defines disability and the five-step evaluation process 06:35 – What is “residual functional capacity”? 08:40 – How age, education, and skill level impact eligibility 11:48 – Eligibility for individuals who haven’t worked or haven’t worked recently 13:10 – Why age plays a critical role in disability determinations 16:52 – Qualifying for disability with mental health conditions 20:05 – Can someone be denied even if their doctor says they’re disabled? 23:25 – How the appeals process works: reconsideration, hearing, federal court 27:02 – What if someone is unsure whether they qualify? 30:45 – Deborah’s role in evaluating cases and mentoring her firm 34:15 – Why she’s passionate about staying in this area of law

About the Show:

“Social Security Disability: The Approval Path” features veteran attorney Deborah Spector guiding listeners through the legal process of qualifying for disability benefits. With decades of experience, Deborah and her team at Spector & Lenz help individuals navigate a complex system with clarity, compassion, and strategic legal insight. Each episode demystifies Social Security law and empowers those who need it most.