Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability?

October 9, 2019 • By Jessica L. Torres

Following a disability, many individuals struggle economically due to not being able to work as they used to or not being able to work at all.  Some people don’t even know that Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits exist.

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website has a list of disabilities that you can navigate to determine whether your disability is included.  Examples of some of these disabilities are:

-       High blood pressure                            - Crohn’s disease

-       Heart failure                                        - Thyroid disorders

-       Impairments requiring dialysis          - Chronic anemia

-       Degenerative disc disease                  - Asthma

-       Various forms of cancer                      - Epilepsy

-       Hearing or vision loss

Click here for a list of disabilities recognized by the SSA    

Having a listed disability, however, does not mean that you will automatically be eligible for benefits. You must also meet other requirements.

If your disability is not listed in the SSA website, that does not mean there is no solution. You may still receive benefits if you can show that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. That means you are unable to perform the work that you used to or any other work a person in your position could perform. 

You may file an application online or in person and you will likely have to appear before an administrative law judge.  If your application is denied, you may ask for reconsideration.  If that reconsideration is also denied, you have the right to appeal within a specified period of time.

It is crucial that you consult with a lawyer if you are interested in applying for SSD. Not only is the process long but it is also extremely complicated. You want to ensure that you can get the benefits that you so desperately need as soon as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.