Social Security Disability (SSD) administrators recognize the limitations individuals who suffer from congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems endure. Because this type of diagnosis might cover a wide range of disabilities in varying degrees of severity, it is included on their disability list. To clarify your potential right to Social Security Disability benefits, be prepared to answer the following five eligibility questions:
- Are you currently working?
- How severe is your disability?
- Is your disability on the SSD list?
- Can you do your usual job?
- Can you do another job?
Answering these questions may establish your initial eligibility for benefits. Your next steps may be more arduous and include gathering information to prove you meet your specific disability’s eligibility requirements.
Define Your Specific Disabling Condition
Because they may result in physical impairments and cognitive challenges, many congenital disorders might prohibit you from getting or maintaining a job. Under congenital disorders, Social Security evaluation guidelines encompass the following conditions:
- Perinatal infection
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Metabolic disorders
- Trisomy X syndrome
- Dysmorphic syndromes
- Non-mosaic Down syndrome
To prove the degree of disability caused by your diagnosed condition, SSD administrators may require medical reports and a thorough evaluation of your physical condition and symptoms. You may also be asked for medical information related to your physical and cognitive limitations.
Prove Your Specific Impairments
Down syndrome might be diagnosed in two forms—mosaic and non-mosaic. SSD administrators only seek additional evaluation for its non-mosaic form because there might be a wide variance of degrees of impairment. To prove this and other disorders in this category, you may be required to provide:
- Medical proof of your karyotype analysis
- Physician’s statement verifying your condition
Your physicians and SSD administrators may carefully evaluate and rate the limitations imposed by your disorder. If disabling enough, you may qualify for disability benefits that may help you get the medical care and financial support you need.
You Are Entitled to Have a Disability Lawyer Help with Your Application
The process of applying for Social Security benefits can be tedious, stressful, and frustrating. You do not have to navigate this process on your own. According to Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, you are entitled to have a disability lawyer represent you throughout the application and appeals process. SSA officials may work with your lawyer to ensure he is able to:
- Receive important information regarding your Social Security file
- Assist you in obtaining medical records, reports, and evidence
- Represent you at all interactions between you and SSA officials
- Guide you through each step of the appeals process
The lawyer who represents you may also ensure you are familiar with and apply for each SSD program you qualify to receive. Your lawyer might also help ensure you submit a complete and accurate application and attach the required evidence. If your application is not accepted after its first submission, your lawyer might also guide you through the multi-step process of filing an appeal.
Gather the Following Information
SSD benefits are available through two programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for disabled workers who have the required employment history and sufficient participation in the Social Security program. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are available to disabled individuals who do not meet the requirements of SSDI but have limited income and resources.
To apply for one or both of these benefits programs, SSD administrators may require the following documents and information:
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship status
- Recent tax returns
- Adult Disability Report
- Previous application status
- Employment history
- Social Security card
- Military service record
You might also be required to submit a plethora of medical records, reports, and evidence. A disability lawyer may work with you to ensure you know which program to apply for or whether you may qualify for concurrent benefits for both. Your lawyer may also help ensure your application is complete and contains all required information when submitted.
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Let Our Team Advocate for You
Often characterized by physical and intellectual challenges, congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems can challenge your health to the extent that you cannot start or continue working. If that happens, applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits might help you receive the medical and financial support you need. A disability lawyer may help you submit a completed application or file a comprehensive appeal. Contact the disability team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC by calling (828) 286-3866 when you are ready to fight for the benefits you might be entitled to receive.