Applying for Disability and the Role of Education
Are you less likely to be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have a high education? Here’s what you need to know about how education affects your Social Security Disability application.
How Education Affects Your Work Options
First, you’re just as entitled to SSDI with a law degree from Harvard or if you dropped out of school in 3rd grade. As long as you’ve worked and paid into the system (either through your paycheck or taxes), you can get SSDI for a disability.
In fact, education can be a hindrance when it comes to SSDI. Your options will likely be seen differently by the SSA. More education typically means you have a higher ability to find work in general. As a result, the SSA may say you have alternative ways to make a living even with a disability.
For example, if you work as a surgeon, but due to some joint pain you can no longer operate safely, that is a disabling event that will force you out of your job. However, you may be able to do other well-paying work, including teaching, research, and even other medical care that doesn’t require such a steady hand. If so, the SSA would probably deny your claim for disability.
On the flip side, let’s say you’re a blue collar worker without a college degree. You do manual labor for a living in a mechanic’s shop. The exact same joint pain will affect you very differently. You may not have any options for another job, let alone a list of possibilities. In that situation, you likely really need SSDI to help you get by.
A Memphis Lawyer When Your Social Security Disability Application Is Denied
Even if you have an excellent application, the SSA may deny your claim. They deny the majority of applications for reasons big and small. When it happens to you, you have 60 days to appeal. That’s when you need a great attorney at your side.
As a long term disability lawyer Memphis, TN has trusted for decades, we work to find every issue in the original application. We strengthen your argument, fight your appeal on your behalf, and don’t win anything unless you do.
Let us help you get back on track. Call us today at 901-327-2100 for a free appointment or fill out the form below.