Though every application for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is subject to contingencies, some of the conditions that the Social Security Administration (SSA) names as possibly covered under this listing of impairments include:
- Hematological disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Certain cancers
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
How a Disabling Medical Condition May Affect You
You may face several direct and secondary challenges as the result of a medical condition, and these challenges may contribute to your eligibility for disability benefits. If you are disabled and unable to maintain steady employment—or any employment at all—then you may:
- Be in a constant state of financial strain
- Have an inordinate amount of stress stemming from your disability and the financial strain that it may impose
- Not be able to do seemingly basic life tasks without assistance
- May suffer mentally and emotionally due to your health condition
- May not be able to engage in many—if not all—activities that once brought you joy
- May not be able to provide the income that your family needs to survive, let alone thrive
Disabilities may have an insidious impact on your quality of life, as well as the quality of life of those who depend on you. Health conditions do not take your character into account, and you may be in a difficult position through no fault of your own. You may be able to ease your financial burden with assistance from various benefits programs.
More Specific Conditions Which May Entitle You to Benefits
It is important to note again that every applicant presents individual circumstances that could qualify or disqualify them for benefits. With this in mind, some of the specific conditions which the SSA lists under their more broadly defined medical categories include:
- Impairments of the digestive system
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Traumatic brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Connective tissue disorders
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
These are just some of the many conditions which SSA lists as potential prerequisites for receiving disability benefits through one or more federal programs. Additional context may be required for you to determine your eligibility and the amount of benefits that you could receive, if you are eligible. As such these conditions do not automatically qualify you for disability.
For a legal consultation, call 828.286.3866
Additional Information That May Impact Benefits Eligibility
The Social Security Administration 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 pieces 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 of these questions on the Checklist for Online Adult Disability Application may include:
- How old 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 are able to complete any type of work to earn an income
- Your education and work history
Your ability (or inability) to provide thorough documentation about the nature of your medical condition and the date of the condition’s onset may be important in determining your eligibility for benefits through SSDI and SSI.
Applying for Disability Benefits Is Not Always Easy
According to the Social Security Administration, the majority of applicants for disability benefits between 2001 and 2010 had their initial application denied. Reasons for denied applications included:
- Technical problems with an application
- Denial based on medical information
The amount of technical denials is significant, which suggests that applying for disability benefits may not be a straightforward process. Errors in the application process are possible, if not likely. It is fair to assume that you would like to avoid having your SSDI or SSI application denied for technical reasons (or medical reasons). You have the right to seek help from a third party to assist in your application process, as you may find value in a second set of eyes.
A Lawyer May Handle Your Benefits Application Process
The SSA permits you to assign a representative who may:
- 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
If you choose to rely on a lawyer for these and other tasks related to your SSDI or SSI application, then a lawyer may also help ensure the accuracy of your application and lead any appeals processes that prove necessary.
Call Our Team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Today
SSDI or SSI benefits may be very important to you and your family. We pride ourselves on helping those in need. We will assist you in the benefits application process, if you wish us to do so. Remember that there are no conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits.
Call our team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today at (828) 286-3866 to learn more about how we may be able to assist you as you pursue disability benefits.
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