The definition of a disability varies depending on the context. Knowing how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability is vital when applying for disability benefits. This can help you better prepare your disability claim to increase your chances of success. Do not panic if your claim was denied. Talk to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney for the next steps.

How is a Disability Defined?

The SSA bases its disability definition on what the law states. A disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that prevents someone from performing substantial gainful activity. This disability must either be expected to lead to early death or last a minimum length of one year.

Substantial gainful activity is the ability to perform a certain level of work. Disabilities that hinder work performance in significant ways often lower substantial gainful activity. When substantial gainful activity is low enough, eligibility for disability benefits increases.

Disability benefits through the SSA are not provided for short-term or partial disabilities. This is why the definition states that the disability must last at least one year or longer. If your disability is not expected to last a year but is terminal, then you could still qualify for benefits because terminal disabilities are considered severe.

Your disability must be severe enough to be a full disability that significantly limits work performance. A residual functional capacity evaluation determines whether your disability is severe enough to impact not only past work but future jobs as well. Try contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer to find out what this involves.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits

When it comes to disability benefits eligibility criteria, the main focus is your ability to work, disability severity, Blue Book listings, and ability to adapt to other work. Substantial gainful activity is used to measure whether you can earn enough money to cover basic living costs doing your current job.

Severity is evaluated based on how your disability symptoms impact various aspects of work performance. Some examples include standing, walking, lifting, and other common work tasks. The SSA Blue Book contains listings of medical conditions that can cause disabilities. Each listing has unique eligibility criteria.

Do not panic if your disability is not on the list or does not meet all the criteria on a specific listing. This is when the SSA evaluates your ability to do past work. If you cannot do current or past work, then the SSA will determine whether you can adapt to different types of jobs.

The SSA offers two disability benefits programs called Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. For Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have enough work credits built up through your work history. Whereas for Supplemental Security Income, you must make under a certain amount of monthly income.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Help

You may not have to go through the disability benefits application process alone. Feel free to ask a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal lawyer to explore what steps you can take to increase your chances of receiving disability benefits. Call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today about your options. Our dedicated team of attorneys is ready to help you navigate your disability claim.