Breaking down the eligibility criteria for SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance is the government’s initiative to help people currently incapable of working owing to their health issues. This is extremely helpful for people who have suffered grave injuries or have been affected by a disability.
- One’s work status while applying for the insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance provides partial income for people who are unable to fulfill their work requirements because of their disability, and both short- and long-term policies are available. According to the Social Security Administration, this insurance provides financial support to people who cannot earn enough, which means an individual who is capable of working and earning by themselves won’t be eligible to get these benefits.
According to the Social Security Administration, a condition is considered a disability if it interferes with and affects one’s ability to carry out work-related activities. So, if one’s current condition hampers their ability to continue the work they used to do earlier and they’re unable to reach a set income threshold, they are eligible for claiming this insurance.
Not all severe medical conditions are labeled as disabilities by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This means the severity of a medical condition or a doctor’s word cannot qualify an individual for this insurance.
The SSA has a Listing of Impairments resource with all conditions considered as disabilities, and one is eligible to apply for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) only if their condition is on this list. If the condition is mentioned on this list, one does not need to follow the next two steps. One’s ability to carry out their current work
If one is affected by a condition that is not included in the pre-mentioned Listing of Impairments, the SSA needs to determine their inability to carry out their work as efficiently as they did previously. If the condition is severe enough to disable an individual from working, they can apply for the SSDI. Else, the SSA does not consider them disabled. One’s ability to carry out other work
While keeping in mind one’s medical issues and educational qualifications, along with their age, work experience, and transferable skills, it is determined whether they qualify to carry out some other work efficiently. If this criterion proves that the person can work in a different environment, they do not qualify as disabled.
If one is affected by a condition that is not included in the pre-mentioned Listing of Impairments, the SSA needs to determine their inability to carry out their work as efficiently as they did previously. If the condition is severe enough to disable an individual from working, they can apply for the SSDI. Else, the SSA does not consider them disabled.
While keeping in mind one’s medical issues and educational qualifications, along with their age, work experience, and transferable skills, it is determined whether they qualify to carry out some other work efficiently. If this criterion proves that the person can work in a different environment, they do not qualify as disabled.
The application and approval of the SSDI is a long process, and it can be especially daunting to someone who has difficulty carrying out regular work. While the above-mentioned criteria can help determine one’s eligibility, one should seek help from a qualified Social Security lawyer. The lawyer can provide legal advice and also help fight in case of denial of a claim.
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