Are You Disabled According to the SSA?
Social Security doesn’t just aid the elderly and the impoverished. Disabled people also qualify for Social Security benefits.
But wait a minute:
How do you know if you are disabled? What exactly is the Social Security Disability definition? The rules surrounding Social Security Disability can be a lot to unpack, so let us from Social Security Disability Advocates lay bare the criteria for Social Security Disability benefits.
The Definition
For both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), an individual must meet certain criteria to receive disability benefits. If you meet all the following conditions, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:
- You have a mental or physical condition that prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and
- The condition has lasted or will last for a period of no less than 12 months, or
- The condition will result in death
This is the essence of what constitutes disability, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Under the Social Security Disability definition, certain conditions automatically qualify for disability status. These conditions are listed in The Blue Book, as the SSA calls it. Some of those conditions are:
- Cancer
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Respiratory illnesses
- And more . . .
Restrictions
There are some restrictions that come along with your disability benefits. For example, if you are receiving SSDI, earning SGA or above could put a halt on your benefits. The same goes for SSI. In addition, if you are a dependent and the primary recipient stops receiving benefits, you may stop receiving benefits as well.
The Social Security Administration is quite strict with who it allows for disability benefits. For example, if your disability prevents you from doing your current work but you can still do other types of work, the SSA will not see you as a qualified individual.
And of course, there are non-medical restrictions, too. For example, receiving SSDI not only requires that the individual meets the definition of disability and is unable to work, but also that they must have previously worked and earned a certain amount of work credits via FICA taxes. For SSI, individuals cannot possess assets with a net worth over a certain amount.
Documents
Before you can get your Social Security Disability benefits, you’ll need to prove you’re disabled. Therefore, you must show medical documentation proving you meet the Social Security Disability definition. You’ll need documents showing what your impairments are, any medications you’re taking, contact information for all your doctors, when they saw you and how they treated you, and lots more information.
Have Questions about the Social Security Disability Definition?
If you still have questions about Social Security, call SSDA USA today! Our attorneys tend to your every concern, so don’t keep your questions to yourself. You can contact us anytime at 602-952-3200. Additionally, you can contact us online and check out our LiveChat feature. Don’t wonder or worry, call SSDA USA today!
This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.
