What Conditions Automatically Qualify You For Disability Benefits?

Being disabled can be difficult in any number of ways, not the least of which is financial. It can be overwhelming to focus on your health and ongoing medical treatment, while also worrying about how you will continue to provide for yourself and your family if you are unable to work.

Is Relief Available?

The good news, at least from a financial perspective, is that there are a variety of injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions that might qualify an individual to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Generally, there are two types of benefits available:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits: SSDI benefits are generally available to those individuals who have a qualifying disability and who are “insured”. This means that the individual worked a qualifying job through which he or she paid taxes on the earnings for a long enough amount of time.
• Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) Benefits: These benefits are generally available to those individuals who have a qualifying disability, but have limited income and resources.

If you believe you may qualify for one of these types of benefits, consulting with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney as to your particular circumstances is always advised.

Defining “Disability”

To qualify to receive either SSDI or SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration, you will need to meet the legal definition of “disability”. From the perspective of the Social Security Administration, an individual is typically considered to be disabled when:

• He or she has a medical condition that prevents them from engaging in any “substantial gainful activity”;
• He or she can’t do the job they performed before the accident or successfully adjust to another type of work;
• The disabling condition is expected to last for a continuous period of at least twelve months, or result in death.

Often, individuals who are disabled and are considering applying for either SSDI or SSI want to know if their condition might qualify for disability benefits – and particularly if any conditions qualify for benefits automatically.

A Closer Look at the Social Security Application Process

The short answer to that question is that few things are “automatic” when it comes to receiving Social Security disability benefits of either kind. As with most legal matters, there is a process that applicants must follow before an application for benefits is ultimately approved.

Generally, however, it can be helpful to know that the Social Security Administration maintains a “Listing of Medical Impairments”, also known as the Blue Book. This list sets forth a list of conditions that automatically designate applicants as “disabled” if it can be established through sufficient medical evidence that the individual has the disabling condition. Some of those conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: Generally, these are diseases of the bone, spine, or joints.
• Respiratory disorders: This might include conditions like asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
• Cardiovascular disorders: These conditions could include arrhythmias, heart disease, congestive heart failure, and other related issues.
• Cancer: Generally, most types of malignant, disabling cancers are found to be qualifying disabilities.
• Neurological disorders: Epilepsy and benign brain tumors are two examples of neurological disorders that may be covered.
• Digestive disorders: Examples might include inflammatory bowel disease or liver conditions.
• Mental disorders: Examples of mental disorders that may be covered include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, among others.
• Skin conditions: Examples of conditions that may qualify as disabling include burns, chronic skin infections, and dermatitis.
• Sensory conditions: Visual disorders and blindness are often considered qualifying disabling conditions.
• Numerous other conditions as outlined by the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book.

Certainly, this list is not exhaustive. Other conditions may qualify, depending upon the circumstances of each individual case. An attorney who knows and understands the law will be able to listen and guide you through the process in a manner that best fits your situation. This is why contacting a talented attorney as soon as possible is essential. It’s why you need the expert guidance of the legal team at London Disability.

London Disability – Your Disability Attorneys

Being disabled can be difficult – but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Instead, you can turn to the knowledgeable and experienced team at London Disability, knowing that when you do, you’re putting your claim in good hands. If you have a disabling condition and you’re ready to begin the process of seeking the benefits that you need and deserve, there’s no better time than now to get started. At London Disability, our knowledgeable and experienced team of disability attorneys is ready to listen to your story and let you know how we might be able to help. You don’t need to go another day worrying about how you’ll pursue the benefits you need. Give us a call instead. We look forward to speaking with you soon.