Many people in California live with an injury or a mental health condition. Some have worked for years, but their condition now makes it hard to keep a job. If this is happening to you, it is normal to worry about money and what comes next.
If you are wondering how you will support yourself and your family because you can no longer do your job, you are not alone. The federal government offers help through Social Security disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What counts as a disability through SSD?
Social Security Disability has specific criteria that sets it apart from other disability programs. Under federal law, a condition should match the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition for disability. To qualify, your condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and last 12 months or more, or end in your death.
The SSA evaluates medical impairments using the 14 body system categories listed in its official ‘Blue Book’ (Listing of Impairments). For example, a work injury requiring only a few months of physical therapy or a surgery limiting movement for a short period usually will not qualify, as the condition must be expected to last at least one year.
The SSD Application Process
Additionally, you have the right to apply for SSD benefits if you believe your condition prevents you from working. After you submit your application, the SSA must review your claim on the basis of medical evidence and work history.
Common requirements for SSD approval for adult workers include:
- Providing complete medical documentation of your condition
- Demonstrating that you cannot perform your past work or adjust to other work
- Meeting the SSA’s work credit requirements (generally having worked 5 out of the last 10 years)
- Showing that your condition meets or equals a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book of impairments
The SSA evaluates whether your medical condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity. They cannot deny your claim simply because you have applied for benefits. However, if the SSA denies your initial application, you have the right to appeal the decision through multiple levels of review.
Lastly, seek a legal representative if you receive an application denial or if you need help navigating the complex application process. An experienced SSD legal professional in California can help protect your rights to disability benefits.
