There is a long list of medical issues that you will want to review if you believe you might be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. To qualify you must prove your disability prevents you from engaging in substantial, gainful employment.
SSD applications can be complex, and the government may deny your claim the first time around. However, this should not discourage you from appealing to obtain the benefits that are due to you. Talk to an attorney who is experienced in appealing these cases. There is no cost unless you win your case.
What the government wants to know
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must answer questions on an application and meet the criteria.
- Will your disability keep you out of work for 12 months?
- Is your condition severe enough to limit basic activities such as sitting, standing or walking?
- Can you find your medical condition on the government-approved List of Impairments?
- Does your disability prevent you from doing the kind of work you were doing previously?
- Can you do another type of work?
Why denial occurs
Keep in mind that you must be younger than 65 to qualify for SSD. In addition, your gross earnings must average no more than $1,040 per month. If your medical condition does not appear on the List of Impairments, the Social Security Administration must determine whether your disability matches the level of severity of a similar condition that is on the list. The SSA frequently denies an application because paperwork is incomplete or missing. Furthermore, you may have provided insufficient medical evidence of your condition. However, these are temporary obstacles that you can surmount when you reapply for eligibility.
What you can do
If the government denies your application for SSD, you can appeal the decision. This is not an unusual situation and many times claimants gain approval when they reapply. You may be correct in thinking your medical condition qualifies you for receiving Social Security Disability benefits.