What Medical Conditions Qualify for SSI & SSDI?

Tom’s arthritis gets worse every year. Jackie recently discovered she’s facing ovarian cancer, and her friend Bella is having severe back issues. All of these individuals should consider filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. But with so many different types of medical conditions, how can you be sure what is considered a disability and what isn’t? The first step is to take a look at the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of the term “disability.”

What Is Considered a Disability?

 The SSA is in charge of the SSDI program. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet their definition of disability. In order to receive SSDI, you must meet the following Social Security Disability requirements:

  • You can no longer perform your previous job,
  • Your medical condition keeps you from switching to a different job, and
  • Your condition has lasted at least one year and is expected to last at least one more or end in your death.

You must also keep in mind that SSDI benefits are not given out for short-term or partial disability.

How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

 The first thing the Social Security Administration looks at is your work credits. The required number of credits needed varies based on your age. For example, a person age 57 must have 35 work credits, while someone at age 32 must only have 20 credits to qualify for SSDI.

Once you’ve met the work credits requirement, the SSA will ask five questions:

  1. Are you currently working? You probably will not be considered disabled if you earn more than a certain amount each month. For example, you cannot earn more than $1,220 per month to be considered for SSDI in 2019.
  2. Is your condition considered severe? Your medical condition must restrict basic duties such as remembering, sitting, walking, standing, and lifting for at least 12 months.
  3. Is your condition found in the blue book of disabling medical conditions? The SSA keeps a list of possible conditions that may keep someone from being able to work. However, even if your illness or medical condition is not on the list, you might be able to qualify for SSDI.
  4. Are you able to perform the work you previously did? An example would be if you worked a warehouse job, but no longer can due to back problems or arthritis. In this instance, you might qualify for SSDI payments.
  5. Are you able to work in a different field? The SSA won’t give you disability payments if your condition keeps you from performing your current job but you’re able to work in a different position. They will take your past work experience, education, medical condition, age, and transferable skills into consideration when determining your eligibility.

How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits

 In order to apply for SSDI benefits, you can reach out to the SSA online or by phone, or go to your local Social Security office for an application. However, it can be very difficult to be approved for SSDI on your own. Hiring a lawyer at the Disability Help Center San Diego can help you build a better case for faster approval. Call us today at 1-888-418-8860 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.