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How Social Security Defines Applicants as “Disabled” (Part A)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the organization in charge of approving and distributing Social Security disability benefits, so before you apply it is important to understand how they define disability to help determine if you qualify.

While this article will discuss some of the basic ways that the SSA defines disability, the best way to determine if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits is to consult with an Indianapolis disability lawyer.

Social Security's Factors for Defining Disability

Unlike other forms of Social Security benefits, you must be declared 100% disabled to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits as an adult. Being only partially disabled will prevent you from qualifying. This disability qualification pertains to physical disabilities such as paralysis and chronic pain as well as mental health conditions, or a combination of both.

The basic qualifying factors for Social Security disability benefits are:

• you have a condition that either exists on Social Security's listing of impairments (or you can prove total disability for another condition);
• that your condition prevents you from working enough to achieve the SSA's definition of substantial gainful activity; and
• that this condition is expected to last a minimum of 1 year or for the rest of your life.

Your financial situation is just as important as your ability to work in the eyes of the Social Security Administration. That is why Social Security disability benefits are only given to people facing long-term medical conditions that prevent them from working and cannot get enough assistance through their families or other sources. If you do qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you can get financial assistance to help you meet your basic needs while you are unable to work.

Consulting with an experienced Indianapolis disability lawyer can help you understand the entire process of qualifying and filing for Social Security disability benefits. If you do meet the initial criteria, your Indianapolis disability lawyer can help you through each step of filing your disability claim, which can increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable disability decision.

If you are denied on your first attempt to recover Social Security disability benefits, your Indianapolis disability lawyer can also help you throughout the often complicated appeals process.

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