The basics of qualifying for Social Security disability

Understanding the eligibility process for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits is important for many disabled individuals in North Carolina. SSD benefits are a vital resource for many disabled individuals and their families that can help with the daily financial needs of the disability sufferer. There are some important requirements to qualify for SSD benefits, so it is helpful to understand what those are.

In general, there is a medical requirement and work requirement associated with Social Security disability benefits. To meet the medical requirement, the disabled individual must demonstrate that they suffer from a medical condition that is so severe it prevents them from working and is expected to last for 12 months or longer or result in death. The disabled individual will be required to provide documentation of the disabling medical condition they suffer from, so it is important to have thorough, detailed and organized medical records to provide to the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with the application.

Though the SSA keeps a list of disabling medical conditions, just because the disabled individual’s medical condition is not on the list does not mean they will not qualify for benefits. In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a list of medical conditions that may received expedited claims processing, which is referred to as the Compassionate Allowances list. Disabled applicants must also meet the work history requirement to qualify for benefits, so they should also be familiar with that requirement as well. Disabled applicants for Social Security disability benefits should also bear in mind that most applications for SSD benefits are initially denied, but can be appealed.

Because the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be challenging, it is helpful for disabled individuals to have a high degree of familiarity with the application process, appeals process and different options that may be available to them depending on their circumstances. Understanding how to qualify can be helpful for disabled individuals who are badly in need of important SSD benefits.

Source: FindLaw, “Are You Eligible For Social Security Disability?” Accessed May 15, 2018