When it comes to disability compensation, many things need to be taken into account. First, the definition of disability can vary from country to country and even region to region. Qualifying conditions for social security disability compensation are complex. A disability lawyer has a better understanding of these laws.

If a person has questions like do I qualify for disability – ask a lawyer here. In this blog post, one will learn about six important questions when determining whether someone is considered disabled under the law.

Is the Victim Working?

The Social Security Administration has guidelines to help determine whether one’s work activity qualifies as “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and therefore warrants disability benefits. To qualify, one must be earning less than a certain amount each month. Here those earnings will be reviewed through guidelines and how they can impact one’s claim.

Does the Affected Person Have a Condition That Is “Severe?”

For one’s condition to be considered severe, it must significantly limit one’s ability to do basic work activities. These activities include walking, sitting, standing, lifting, and remembering. If the condition does not limit a person in at least two of these areas, it is not considered severe, and one will likely not qualify for benefits.

If a fellow cannot decide whether their condition is severe or not after reading the social security disability conditions, they will understand.

Is the Patient’s Condition on the Listing of Impairments?

The Social Security Administration has an impairments list that they consider severe enough to warrant disability benefits. If the person’s condition is not on this list, they can still qualify for benefits if they can prove that their condition is as severe as the one on the list. Here is the list of impairments that the SSA considers:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive disorders
  • Hearing loss
  • Heart conditions
  • Kidney disease
  • Lung conditions
  • Musculoskeletal disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Vision loss

If the condition is not on this list, don’t worry. One can still qualify for benefits if a fellow proves the condition is as severe as the one on the list.

How Long Will the Condition Last?

To qualify for disability benefits, one’s condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Therefore, if the condition is not expected to last this long, one will likely not qualify for benefits.

Can the Person Do the Work They Did before?

If one’s condition is severe, the next question is whether one can still do the work one did before the condition began. If the answer is no, then one may qualify for benefits.

Is Anyone Able to Adjust to Other work?

If one cannot do the work they did before, the next question is whether or not one would be able to adjust to other work. This considers your age, education, past work experience, and any skills one may have. If it is determined that you cannot adjust to other work, then you may qualify for benefits.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few things that are considered when determining whether someone is disabled under the law. If you think you may qualify for benefits, the best thing to do is contact your local Social Security office and set up an appointment. They’ll be able to help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.