What Conditions Qualify For Disability
The listing manual includes the following categories of conditions, which will automatically qualify you for disability if you meet the requirements in the listing:
- musculoskeletal problems, such as back and joint injuries
- cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease
- blood disorders, such as hemolytic or sickle cell anemia or bone marrow failure.
To learn the disability requirements for getting disability benefits for many of the above conditions, see our section of articles on Medical Conditions, Impairments, and Problems.
The conditions most likely to get approved are multiple sclerosis and some types of cancers. Respiratory disorders and joint disease are also high on the list.
More Specific Conditions That Could Entitle You To Benefits
It is important to note that every applicant presents individual circumstances that could qualify or disqualify them for benefits. With this in mind, some of the specific conditions the SSA lists under its broader medical categories include:
- Depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
These are just some of the many conditions the SSA lists as potential prerequisites for receiving disability benefits through one or more federal programs. Additional context may be required to determine your eligibility and the number of benefits you could receive if you are eligible. As such, these conditions do not automatically qualify you for disability benefits.
How A Lawyer Can Help You File For Disability Benefits
Understandably, the Social Security Administration’s list of medical impairments that qualify for disability benefits can be confusing for those seeking disability benefits. If the administration denies you SSDI, you can hire an attorney to appeal the decision.
It will take some time to prove your disability, but you do not have to do it alone. The Social Security Administration lets you designate a representative who can:
- Correspond with the SSA on your behalf
- Compile medical records to apply for benefits
- Fill out legal paperwork on your behalf
- Accompany you to interviews or hearings to complete your application
In the case of applying for SSDI or SSI, an attorney will make sure your application is accurate. A security disability attorney handles every aspect of the claim, from filing the claim to appealing the decision so that clients can focus on their health and well-being.
They will provide you with legal information about the Social Security Administration’s designated conditions and medical requirements, as well as your disability claim status. The doctors can advise you if further evaluations are necessary to establish your disability.
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Let Us Help You With Your Social Security Disability Claim
Even if you clearly qualify for SSDI benefits, you shouldnt be surprised if your application for benefits is denied. Unfortunately, the SSA denies many legitimate claims. If you need help filling out your initial application for benefits or fighting for the benefits you deserve, our Roswell Social Security disability lawyers are here to help. Call our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
I Was Told My Child Support Didn’t Qualify For A Modification Even Though I Am Receiving Social Security
It is important to know the type of Social Security benefits you are receiving – some benefits – such as retirement, disability insurance or survivor benefits are considered income and should be garnished for child support payments. In some cases, your children are also receiving payments from your social security benefits paid by the Social Security Administration. If this is the case, please contact our office so that we can help you with your next steps.
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Your Impairment Does Not Have To Be On The Ssas List
If you want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to note that your impairment does not have to appear on the SSAs list. Examples of such conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome and celiac disease, among others.
However, you must present a formal diagnosis of your condition to the SSA that shows it is a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from functioning in full capacity. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working or performing your daily activities. This reduction in capacity is known as the residual functional capacity.
If your disability meets the SSAs requirements, it might consider it to be equivalent to a listed condition. You must obtain this diagnosis from your doctor to prove your condition, but it is only the start of the process. It does not mean you will automatically receive approval for benefits.
Do You Still Want To Work After Disability
Are you suffering from disability but do not qualify for benefits in Texas? In that case, you may look for a job, and that is where the Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitative Services can help. If you are suffering from any debilitating condition, they can assist by offering employment services. This way you will find work and earn some income to continue living a quality life.
To apply for this type of assistance, you will have to contact one of your local VR offices personally. They are going to confirm your disability unless you are already a recipient of SSDI or SSI.
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Social Security Disability Insurance For People With Cancer
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal disability insurance benefit earned by people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Its only available to people who have disabilities that keep them from working. If you have cancer, you may be able to have your SSDI application processed more quickly
Apply Online For Disability Benefits
Social Security offers an online disability application you can complete at your convenience. Apply from the comfort of your home or any location at a time most convenient for you. You do not need to drive to your local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative.
You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
- Are age 18 or older
- Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record
- Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death: and
- Have not been denied disability benefits in the last 60 days. If your application was recently denied for medical reasons, the Internet Appeal is a starting point to request a review of the medical determination we made.
- Print and review the Adult Disability Checklist.
It will help you gather the information you need to complete the application.
We suggest that you have the following information at hand. It will make completing the application much easier.
Information About You
Information About Your Medical Condition
Information About Your Work
We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:
Important
We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate.
Mailing Your Documents
After we receive your online application, we will:
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Claim A Qualifying Child With A Disability
The qualifying child you claim for the EITC can be any age if they:
- Have a permanent and total disability and
- Have a valid Social Security number
If the child gets disability benefits, they may still be your qualifying child for the EITC. Find out more about the additional tests for a qualifying child.
What Are The Requirements Of Total Disability
Disability is subjective and may refer to different conditions. For example, you may have a disability that may qualify you for disability benefits via the workers compensation system. On the other hand, you may have a disability, but it may not meet SSAs definition for disability.
According to a general definition by SSA, a disability is only qualifying when it prevents you from working and/or earning a certain wage each month. If your disability stops you from engaging in a substantial gaining activity, it falls within SSAs definition of disability. These include the following
- You have a mental impairment or a physical disability/impairment and you can prove it medically.
- If your disability has lasted for 12 months or you expect it to last 12 months in the future.
- If your disability may cause your death.
Whenever you apply to claim your SSA disability benefits, the Texas Disability Determination Services will consider your application. They are going to review all the information you provide in oder to decide whether your disability satisfies the qualifying criteria. If everything seems to be in order, DDS will approve your application to receive disability benefits in Texas.
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What Is A Medical Or Physical Disability
People who have medical or physical disabilities are unable to do some things for themselves, including:
- Caring for themselves
- Performing manual tasks
Each service has its own rules. Most programs require that:
- You have limited income and assets.
- You show a need for services.
- You be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal alien who lives in Texas.
Some services have age limits, such as those for children. Others are for people of all ages.
To learn more, visit the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook. This handbook has details about income and resources limits as well as other information about who may be eligible for services.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits
The medical requirements are typically the same for adults to qualify for Social Security or SSI. You will need to demonstrate that the disability makes you unable to sustain substantial, gainful employment.
You can apply as soon as PsA makes it difficult or impossible to perform a job. While theres no requirement for you to have a disability for a certain amount of time before you apply, you will need to show that PsA will prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
More information on qualifying for Social Security and SSI with a PsA disability can be found in the Immune System Disorders or the Musculoskeletal System sections of the governments Disability Evaluation Under Social Security guidelines.
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Additional Information That May Impact Your Benefits Eligibility
The SSA outlines some of the requirements to apply for benefits under SSDI and SSI. They include:
- Having a condition that has prevented you from working for at least one year
- Being at least 18 years of age
Beyond these basic requirements, the SSA will request several types of information as part of your application. Your answers to these questions and your ability to provide various forms of documentation may directly impact your eligibility for benefits. Some questions on the Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application may ask about:
- The age you were at the time that you became disabled
- How many years you participated in the workforce before becoming disabled
- The nature and severity of the medical condition that causes you to be disabled
- Your marital status
- Whether you have any dependents
- Whether you can complete any type of work to earn an income
- Your education and work history
Your ability to provide thorough documentation about the nature of your medical condition and the date of the conditions onset is essential in determining your eligibility for benefits through SSDI and SSI.
How Can A Lawyer Help Me Apply
Many people who apply for Social Security Disability benefits on their own quickly realize that the forms are confusing and the process is daunting and time-consuming.
If you need help applying for disability benefits, our attorneys at Packard Law Firm in San Antonio can help with all suspects of the process.
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A Daytime Program In Your Community
Whether you live alone or stay by yourself when your family goes to work, you do not have to be lonely. If you go to a daytime program, also called adult day care, you can have fun, learn and be with others. You also may get help with some tasks, such as taking medicine.
Learn More
- Find out about Your Rights in HHS Community Programs .
How A Disabling Medical Condition May Affect You And Your Family
You may face several direct and secondary challenges resulting from a medical condition, and these challenges may contribute to your eligibility for disability benefits. If you are disabled and cannot maintain steady employmentor any employment at allthen you may:
- Be in a constant state of financial strain
- Feel excessive stress stemming from your disability and the financial pressure it may impose
- Be unable to do seemingly basic life tasks without help
- Suffer mentally and emotionally because of your health condition
- Feel unable to engage in many if not all activities that once brought you joy
- Fall short in providing the income your family needs to survive and thrive
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State Supported Living Centers
Texas has 13 state supported living centers which are managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. There are centers in all parts of the state. They specialize in helping people who have medical and behavioral problems. Visit the living center website to learn more.
Service Planning
If you choose to call a living center home, you will help plan the types of assistance you get. This is called your individual service plan. This plan will be reviewed once a year. The plan can be changed as needed.
You will have help with managing things, such as:
- Taking medicine
- Managing your behaviors
Who Monitors Living Centers?
HHSC certifies the state supported living centers and inspects them once a year. The state also looks into complaints.
Each living center has a full-time ombudsman to help residents, family members, staff and others who have concerns about the centers.
To Learn More
- When visiting living centers, you might want to use the questions to ask providers checklist .
Your Rights
Living center residents have the same rights as everyone else. These brochures will help you understand your rights.
Applying For Disability Benefits With A Mental Illness
Mental and psychological disabilities are among the conditions that can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration . You may qualify with severe depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another mental illness that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment.
Social Security disability benefits can cover everyday living expenses, medical bills, and other financial obligations. Benefits are paid monthly and can alleviate many of your financial worries, making it possible for you to get by without income from employment.
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Can I Get Disability Insurance If I Go To A Drug Rehabilitation Facility Recommended By My Licensed Health Professional
You may qualify for up to 45 days of Disability Insurance benefits if you live at a licensed health professional-approved drug-free residential rehabilitation facility. The facility must be licensed and certified by the state in which the facility is located.
An additional 45 days may be paid if you remain a resident of the facility and your licensed health professional continues to certify to your need for continuing residential services.
How Our Lawyer Could Handle Your Disability Benefits Application Process
The process of proving your disability will take time, but you dont have to go through it by yourself. The SSA allows you to assign a representative who can:
- Correspond with the SSA on your behalf
- Access and collect your medical records for the purpose of applying for benefits
- Fill out paperwork on your behalf
- Accompany you to any interviews or hearings required to complete your application
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What Type Of Services Can I Receive
Independent living services help you:
- Live and accomplish daily tasks more independently
- Participate in your favorite activities
- Improve communication access and ability
- Improve transportation access and mobility
- Gain a better understanding of your disability
- Increase confidence in your abilities
- Increase access to the community and participation in society
Meeting The Medical Criteria For Social Security Disability With Heart Failure
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will compare your condition to a listing of conditions known as the Blue Book. Each condition that could potentially qualify an individual for disability benefits is listed in this Blue Book, along with the criteria that must be met to qualify with each specific condition.
Chronic heart failure is addressed in Section 4.02 of the Blue Book. According to the Blue Book, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to heart failure, you must be able to prove that:
- You have been diagnosed with chronic heart failure while undergoing prescribed treatment and
- There is medically documented evidence of systolic failure with left ventricular end diastolic dimensions greater than 6.0 cm or ejection fraction of 30 percent or less during a period of stability or diastolic failure with left ventricular posterior wall plus septal thickness totaling 2.5 cm or greater on imaging with an enlarged left atrium greater than or equal to 4.5 cm with normal or elevated ejection fraction during a period of stability and
- Persistent symptoms of heart failure are present that seriously limit the ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities of daily living or there are three or more separate documented episodes of acute congestive heart failure within a 12-month period or you suffer an inability to perform on an exercise tolerance test at a workload equivalent to 5METs or less.
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