Social Security employs an evaluation process that requires sequential steps. The process determines the approval status of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.
For every phase in filing the claim, there is a decision maker or an adjudicator who analyzes your claim. Long-term disability presents a significant challenge when you have bills to pay for yourself and your family. Paying for hospital bills and continuing therapies becomes nearly impossible when you are unable to earn income during this period.
The Social Security Administration regulates the SSD. As a result, you must provide proper documentation that will support your disability and qualify for disability benefits. You can also contact a Texas disability lawyer to guide you through the procedures and provide assistance if needed. Here’s an overview of the SSD evaluation process, which we hope will help.
SSD Evaluation Process
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that your condition doesn’t meet their definition of disability, you can follow these steps to strengthen your claim:
- Your current working status:
The SSA will first ascertain your employment status. If you can work and earn at least $1,310 on average per month in 2021, you will not be eligible for SSD. This condition will not cause you to be considered disabled in the first place. You must be unable to work due to a disability, and your income must be below SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limits. Otherwise, your condition will disqualify you for the disability benefits.
- How severe is your medical condition?
You may be partially disabled, or your medical condition may not be severe enough to prevent you from performing basic household tasks. It categorically means you are not severely disabled. The SSA would allow SSD for you when your disability interferes with your daily work.
Daily tasks are basic and don’t require extra effort or extraordinary power to execute, but office or workstation tasks can be exceptional. In such a case, you can also ask a disability legal professional to assist you.
- Is your medical condition listed in the Blue Book?
According to the Blue Book, a person with disabilities automatically qualifies for disability benefits. Avoid worrying if your medical condition is one of the listed diseases or disorders.
Otherwise, the Social Security Administration will personally determine the severity of your disability. If your medical condition is severe enough and assuredly disabled, the SSA will qualify you for the Social Security Disability Benefits.
- Are you able to continue your previous work?
Often, people with disabilities cannot continue their previous work. If your disability prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSD. Otherwise, you need to categorize your disability based on other criteria.
- Can you do a different type of job than your previous one?
So, if you can adjust to another type of work suitable for your disability, the Social Security Administration would not qualify for SSD. They will assess your ability to adapt and earn money in other fields. But if you don’t have any alternative, SSA will qualify you for the SSD.
Need legal assistance? Contact a disability lawyer
We highly recommend contacting a disability lawyer to expedite the process and enhance your chances of receiving approved disability benefits. A knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through each step, ensuring that your claim is properly filed and supported with the necessary documentation.
