Social Security Disability: Medical Requirements

Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability

For you to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, your disability must last for at least a year or be terminal.

What conditions constitute disability?

The Social Security Administration has a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabling conditions, but other conditions are equally acceptable as disabling conditions if the SSA determines they are as serious as conditions on the list. The same medical requirements apply whether you suffer from a condition on the list or from an equally serious condition not on the list. Both physical and mental conditions can qualify as disabling conditions.

An important consideration in determining your eligibility for SSDI is whether your condition prevents you from engaging in “Substantial Gainful Activity.”

What is “Substantial Gainful Activity”?

Substantial Gainful Activity can refer to any type of work. If the Social Security Administration determines that your condition prevents you from doing the sort of work you did before, it will try to determine whether your condition prevents you from adjusting to other types of “Substantial Gainful Activity.” If, despite your condition, you are considered capable of earning an income from other work, it’s unlikely you’ll be found eligible for SSDI.

If you are earning an income when you apply for SSDI benefits, your application will be rejected immediately if your income exceeds a certain amount. During the 2012 tax year, the amount disqualifying someone from receiving SSDI benefits is set at $1010 per month.

What evidence of disability do I need to submit?

Any records by doctors examining and treating you will help support your claim. Records should be legible and up-to-date in order to minimize the chance of delay in processing your claim. All reports should be accurate and complete according to current medical standards. It is important to impress upon your doctor the importance of keeping complete records in order to document your disability, treatments, and inability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity. For a complete list of documents you may be required to submit with your claim, visit www.ssa.gov.

If you’d like to know more about disability Social Security Disability Insurance, MedicareMall will be happy to discuss your circumstances and options. And, of course, if there’s anything you’d like to know about Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, or Medicare supplement insurance, MedicareMall will be happy to answer those questions, too. Contact MedicareMall now and we’ll make it our priority to see you get the health care or disability coverage you need.

Also Read: Non Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability