For individuals with severe disabilities, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) serves as a vital source of financial support. Without SSDI, many people with disabilities would be unable to financially support themselves or their families.
Despite its importance in our society, the process of applying for SSDI in the United States can be extremely challenging. Often, applicants may wait months or even years for updates, only to discover that their claim was denied.
To avoid unnecessary delays, it is essential to thoroughly understand the application process and the most common qualifying conditions for Social Security Disability Insurance.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that individuals must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets their definition of disability. According to the SSA and federal law, disability is defined as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment. Additionally, a person’s disability must be expected to result in death or have lasted for at least twelve continuous months.
Several common medical conditions may qualify individuals for SSDI benefits.
Musculoskeletal disabilities are often debilitating, and arthritis is no exception. This condition frequently impacts an individual’s ability to walk, type, or write, making it one of the most common conditions that qualifies people for SSDI benefits.
Heart disease is one of the deadliest conditions affecting Americans, with tens of thousands of people dying from it each year. Various types of heart disease, such as congenital heart defects and congestive heart failure, may qualify a person for SSDI coverage.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a musculoskeletal disorder that impacts a person’s ability to walk or sit comfortably. While DDD primarily affects adults over sixty years old, people can feel symptoms as early as in their 20s. If a person with DDD cannot remain in one position for more than two hours due to pain, they may apply for SSDI benefits.
Life-threatening respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often result in SSDI eligibility.
Nearly twenty percent of SSDI recipients are eligible due to mental illness diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, autism, and mood disorders. Although there is no guarantee that a mental illness will qualify a person for SSDI, the widespread prevalence of these disorders allows individuals with mental disabilities to access critical support.
Other health issues, such as neurological disorders and digestive conditions, can also support an individual’s claim for SSDI benefits.
If you or someone you know is seeking disability benefits or has questions about common qualifying conditions for Social Security Disability Insurance, reach out to the dedicated attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law. We are committed to helping individuals with disabilities receive the benefits they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your claim.
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