Navigating disability services can be complex, especially when understanding what qualifies for support. These services aim to assist individuals who face challenges in daily life due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. When considering eligibility, it’s important to recognize that not every limitation of activity qualifies for disability services. Conditions that are temporary or do not significantly restrict everyday activities might not meet the criteria.
To better understand what does not qualify, think of minor injuries or short-term illnesses that do not impact long-term functionality. However, persons affected with a long-term disability, such as chronic illnesses or significant impairments, typically meet the requirements for various support services. There is a broad list of common disabilities that may qualify for assistance, including but not limited to mobility impairments, hearing or vision loss, cognitive disabilities, mental health disorders, and chronic conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
These disabilities often affect a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or engage in community activities, which is why support services are vital. Understanding what qualifies and does not qualify for disability services can help you or a loved one determine the right resources and support needed to improve quality of life and independence. Read on to learn more.
A qualified person will be given assistance from a Social Security disability fund, which is determined by need-basis. Here are the 5 things that the department of Social Security looks for when sorting through disability claims.
Working Status
If you have a job, and your earnings average more than a set amount, you will most likely not be able to qualify for disability. This amount changes every year, so be sure to check the annual disability update for the current earnings cut-off. The limit is also based on the age of the applicant.
List of Disabling Conditions
The Social Security department has a list of disabling conditions they will consider for disability benefits. This list describes medical conditions that they believe are severe enough to prevent a person from working, regardless of age, education, or work experience. Your condition must be on this list, or is severe enough as a condition on the list, then you will likely be able to qualify.
Severity of Condition
In order to qualify, your medical condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to do basic work abilities for at least a year. This includes activities such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or remembering. However, there are special rules for those who have issues with blindness.
Previous Work
Once the department is through looking at your current status, they will take a look into what happened before the disability developed. If the committee decides that your disability prevents you from any previous work, they are likely to consider you for benefits. However, if they decide that you can still do this work, your claim will most likely be denied.
Ability to Adjust
The department also looks at your ability to do other types of work that aren’t affecting by your disability or impairment. They take many things into consideration, such as age, education, past work experience, and any skills that can be used for work. If the committee decides that there is still work you can do, your claim will be denied.
If your disability claim is denied, there are legal options that you can take. Contact a disability attorney to learn about your options.
