Living with a rare disease like Myasthenia Gravis (MG) presents many challenges. You might wonder if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Understanding the criteria for SSDI can help clarify if you might be eligible.
SSDI eligibility criteria
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet certain criteria. First, you need to have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Second, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. This means the condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.
Proving your disability
When applying for SSDI, thorough medical documentation is crucial. It might include medical records, lab tests, and detailed reports from your doctors. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review these documents to determine if your condition meets their criteria for disability.
SSA’s evaluation process
The SSA uses a step-by-step process to evaluate disability claims. They first determine if you are working and earning more than a certain amount. Next, they assess if your condition is severe and listed in their Blue Book of disabling conditions. If not listed, they consider if it is as severe as a listed condition.
Residual functional capacity assessment
If your condition is not in the Blue Book, the SSA conducts a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. This assesses what kind of work you can still do despite your limitations. For example, they might evaluate if you can do light or sedentary work based on your medical records.
Decision-making process
The SSA considers all evidence before making a decision. They review medical documentation, work history, and the RFC assessment. This comprehensive review helps them determine if you qualify for SSDI benefits.
Living with Myasthenia Gravis and SSDI
Knowing the SSDI process and the importance of medical documentation can provide clarity. By understanding the evaluation steps and gathering comprehensive evidence, you can approach your SSDI application with greater confidence.
