According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every five Americans are disabled, and they account for 61 million of the US population. Many people with disabilities are working Americans, but their income is not sufficient enough to combat everyday needs. This financial instability is due to their limited capacity to work and often leads to severe economic setbacks.
The United States government, however, provides funds for people with disabilities via its Social Security Administration (SSA) disability programs. To receive social security benefits from this program, one must qualify for certain disabling conditions mentioned in the Blue Book. The Blue Book is a manual published by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that lists medical impairments which qualify a person for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
In this blog, we will demonstrate the social security disabling conditions so you may determine whether you are a strong candidate for applying for these benefit programs and move forward with your application.
Medical Conditions That Qualify A Person For the Social Security Benefit Program
The medical impairments mentioned in the listing manual published by SSA in 2021 are discussed below:
1. Musculoskeletal problems
The musculoskeletal system comprises various areas of the human body, and therefore, a problem within this system can potentially disable a person from working.
2. Cardiovascular systems
The SSA qualifies candidates with cardiovascular disability claims by evaluating whether their cardiac issues limit their functioning or not. So, if you find it difficult to work because of heart disease, you can apply for security benefits.
3. Sensory impairments
Sensory impairment is a term used to describe problems regarding loss of vision or hearing. If these conditions limit your ability to work, then there’s a chance that Social Security will award you with SSDI and SSI disability benefits.
4. Neurological disorders
Contrary to popular belief, neurological disorders are not limited to the brain. Instead, they refer to all the medical impairments constituting your central nervous system. Social Security approves disability for neurological disorders such as migraine headaches, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy and strokes, etc. If you’re diagnosed with any of these neurological disorders, and your health conditions prevent you from performing adequately, then there’s a strong chance that the SSA will award you the security benefits.
5. Respiratory issues
Thousands of people worldwide experience breathing problems. It is, therefore, one of the most common problems due to which people find it difficult to work correctly and hence apply for social security benefits. The SSA evaluates these claimants based on the results of breathing tests.
6. Mental health issues
The prevalence of mental illnesses is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Social Security benefits numerous mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, autism, mental retardation, ADHD, and low IQ. However, you will have to meet certain criteria to be considered disabled by the Blue Book.
Besides, if you don’t exactly meet the listing criteria but are able to prove your inefficiency at work due to any emotional or psychiatric problem, chances are, you will be awarded the benefits.
7. Immune disorders
Our immune system is responsible for protection against diseases, and if this system doesn’t work properly, one might experience significant disability issues. If you are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, there is a possible chance that SSA will provide you with Social Security Insurance.
8. Skin disorders
There are numerous skin diseases, but all of them do not qualify for disability. Disabling skin conditions include skin problems such as bullous disease, ichthyosis, dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and photosensitivity disorders.
9. Digestive problems
Some digestive disorders have a strong impact on a person’s ability to work, and therefore, the SSA has official disability listings for people experiencing these issues.
10. Genitourinary Impairments
The health problems relating to your kidney or reproductive organs are also considered a disability under the Blue Book listings. So, if you’ve gone through dialysis or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you should consider applying for Social Security benefits.
11. Hematological disorders
Hemophilia is a genetic disease that occurs due to the deficiency of clotting agents in the blood. If you are diagnosed with blood disorders like Sickle Cell Disease and Chronic Anemia, you are eligible for Social Security benefits.
12. Cancer-related conditions
Cancer-related conditions, medically termed neoplastic diseases come under section 13 of the Blue Book. Therefore, cancer patients can also avail Social Security benefits after qualifying for the prescribed medical tests.
13. Medical Syndromes
If multiple body system impairments occur simultaneously, a person might experience difficulty performing well in regular tasks. This type of condition is medically termed as a syndrome. Section 10 of the Blue Book addresses issues related to such syndromes.
Therefore, if you find it challenging to perform your former job due to any of the above-mentioned medical problems, you can be considered disabled by the SSA.
However, make sure that the disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or has the chance to result in death because it’s a mandatory condition to qualify by the social security disabling condition.
Work History Eligibility Requirements To Qualify For Social Security Benefit Program
In addition to the above-mentioned medical conditions, you must also meet the work history requirements of SSA to qualify for Social Security benefits. You should have a recent employment record and a certain amount of work credited to be marked eligible. Social Security work credits depend on a person’s annual income and each year can earn you up to four credits. The amount required for work credit is updated every year. In 2021, $1,470 accounts for one credit, so to earn annual credits, you should have earned $5,880.
Besides, the work credits required for qualification also depend on the candidate’s age when they became disabled. Overall, 40 credits are required — out of which 20 must be earned within the past 10 years — counted till the year of disability. The criteria can, however, vary for younger workers.
Let Us Help You With Your Social Security Disability Claim
There are numerous intricacies involved in the application process of a Social Security disability claim. Sometimes applications get rejected even when you qualify for all the required conditions.
If you need help with the initial application process, Attorney Lisa Douglas is always here to help. Feel free to consult her for all your queries regarding the Social Security benefits.
Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes. It may not reflect current laws in your region or state. It isn’t intended to substitute legal counsel.
