What Is Considered As A Disability For Social Security

When Doesmedicare Or Medicaid Start

SSDI recipients arent eligible to receive Medicare benefitsuntil two years after their date of entitlement to SSDI . Because it oftentakes a year or two to be approved for disability benefits, however, SSDIrecipients often become eligible for Medicare soon after they get their awardletter from Social Security.

In the states where Medicaid eligibility is automatic for SSIrecipients, there is no waiting period for SSI recipients to receive Medicaid.In other states, you need to apply separately for Medicaid, but there is nowaiting period.

Each state sets its own eligibility requirements for Medicaid, including income limits.

Medicaid uses the Federal Poverty Level as a benchmark to determine ones eligibility. In most states that grant Medicaid to low-income adults, individuals are eligible for Medicaid if they have an income that is at or below 150% of the FPL. The state in which you live and the type of Medicaid you are applying for may dictate a different income amount.

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Cash Assistance And Free Public Aid Vouchers

Child and day care:The federal government provides block grants to each and every state in an effort to subsidize child care expenses. The public aid is for low income, working parents, single mothers or those in school or job training who meet the qualifications of the program. Most states do have a waiting list for day care vouchers. There are also a number of conditions that need to be met by parents who are applying. Find government assistance for child care needs.

Disability assistance:Individuals with a short or long term disability can receive financial aid from several government and public assistance programs. Some form of compensation and grants may be provided from SSDI, vouchers are available for paying rent, and a number of other basic needs can be met, such as proving the applicant low cost medications. Applications for disability assistance will be processed by a local social security office.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families :This public assistance program is run at the state level, and it can provide cash assistance to needy families. Funds can be used to pay for basic living expenses such as food, rent, utilities, and medications. It also requires parents undertake job preparation, work, and marriage. Local Department of Human Services offices process applications for this government benefit. Cash assistance from TANF helps pay a number of household expenses.

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Special Rules For People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision

We consider you to be legally blind under Social Security rules if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens. Many people who meet the legal definition of blindness still have some sight and may be able to read large print and get around without a cane or a guide dog.

If you do not meet the legal definition of blindness, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your vision problems alone or combined with other health problems prevent you from working.

There are a number of special rules for people who are blind that recognize the severe impact of blindness on a person’s ability to work. For example, the monthly earnings limit for people who are blind is generally higher than the limit that applies to non-blind disabled workers.

In 2021, the monthly earnings limit is $2,190.

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Is The Social Security Definition Of Disability Out Of Date

The Social Security Advisory Board has asked whether the Social Security definition of disability should be changed in some fundamental way. The Academy’s Disability Policy Panel studied this question at length and reached the following conclusions:

Programs for people with disabilities should use definitions of disability as eligibility criteria that match the purpose of the program. A single, one-size-fits-all definition would not suit the varied needs of the highly diverse population of people with disabilities, nor would it match the particular purposes of different programs.

If the purpose of the program is to establish civil rights protections, a broad definition of disability, such as in the ADA is used: Disability means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.

If the purpose is to define eligibility for vocational rehabilitation, then the legal definition of eligibility is based on need for and likelihood of benefiting from such services.

Programs that provide personal assistance or long-term care services generally define eligibility in terms of the need for those particular services, such as need for assistance with activities of daily living.

The Social Security test of work disability is very strict. A less strict test of inability to work would benefit people with partial disabilities and it would cost more.

What Is The Difference Between Ssi And Ssdi

SSI eligibility is determined based on age, disability and available resources, while SSDI is based on a persons disability and work credits.

For most people, medical requirements that will allow you to receive disability payments are the same for both, and disability is determined using the same process. Both SSI and SSDI are managed by the Social Security Administration as well.

The most notable difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSDI is only available to people who have accumulated enough work credits, while SSI is available to low-income individuals who have not accumulated enough work credits or who have never worked. In addition, SSDI is based on your work history, but SSI is strictly based on a financial situation of considerable need.

Additionally, SSI benefits begin on the first of the month that a social security disability application is submitted and approved, but for SSDI there is a five-month waiting period. People who qualify for SSI can also receive Medicaid benefits. After receiving SSDI benefits for two years, a disabled person will be eligible for Medicare benefits. The amount of SSI benefits depend on where a person lives and what their monthly income is, while SSDI benefit amounts are dependent on a persons earnings record.

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What Isnt Considered Social Assistance

Social assistance doesnt include:

• public health care
• other benefits widely available to residents, including people who are working

Provinces and territories have created temporary programs to help people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. We dont consider these benefits to be social assistance if they arent considered as such by the province or territory.

Also not considered social assistance:

• Canada Recovery Benefit

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Who Will Supplemental Security Income Help

Currently, the only recipients in the Special Income Level group whose eligibility is not impacted are those receiving Supplemental Security Income . Non-SSI recipients would fall into the Special Income Level group even if the income is less than $750 and could be impacted by the budget cuts. Waiver recipients will lose waiver benefits unless they are eligible and receive SSI.

We recommend you apply for SSI if you have not already done so in order to protect your current Medicaid eligibility. It can sometimes take around six months for an SSI eligibility determination to be made by the federal government.

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Social Security And Medical Benefits

SSI beneficiaries automatically receive Medicaid benefits.

Be aware however that there are many special Medicaid and Medicaid waiver programs in Florida that do not require a person to be eligible for SSI. For more information, see the Florida Medicaid Summary of Services.

SSDI beneficiaries qualify for Medicare benefits following a two year waiting period after first receiving SSDI. There are limited circumstances under which SSDI beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare without the two year waiting period.

Some individuals may be dually eligible for SSI and SSDI, and therefore for Medicaid and Medicare. Some individuals who receive SSDI only, may nevertheless be eligible to have Medicaid pay their Medicare premiums, and in some cases, their copays.

Some individuals, who received SSI benefits as a minor, become SSDI beneficiaries based on the work record of a parent or grandparent who is deceased, disabled or retired. As long as the persons SSDI benefits are based on the work record of the parent or grandparent, and not on their own work record, the individual should maintain their eligibility for Medicaid. This is called Protected Medicaid.

How Much Property Can You Own On Disability

SSI allows a single person to have only $2,000 in assets to stay eligible for SSI, and a married couple can only have $3,000 in assets. Fortunately, some assets, like the home you live in, will not be counted when determining your eligibility if you meet certain requirements. This is is called the “home exclusion.”

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Which Medical Conditions Are Likely To Qualify For Disability

While any of the above medical conditions are SSDI and SSI qualifying disabilities, some medical conditions are more likely to lead to an approval of benefits than others. We recently surveyed our readers about their experiences in applying for disability benefits and compared their answers to government statistics. The conditions most likely to get approved were multiple sclerosis and some types of cancers. Respiratory disorders and joint disease were also high on the list. For the details, see our article on survey statistics on getting Social Security disability for common medical conditions.

Proving You Are Legally Disabled

You will need to complete a disability application at your local Social Security office or over the phone. The application will ask about your health problems, daily activities, work history, and recent medical treatment. Your state’s Disability Determination Services will then either approve or deny your claim at the initial level based on your application and your recent medical records. This decision may take several months, and only a fraction of disability applicants are approved at the initial level. If you are denied benefits, you’ll need to appeal.

It is important to have documentation from your doctor about how your medical condition limits your ability to work. Claims examiners and administrative judges are supposed to give substantial weight to the opinion of your treating doctor, so it is often helpful to ask your doctor to submit a statement. For more information on providing good evidence, read about the medical evidence you need to prove disability.

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How Can A Lawyer Assist You In Getting Pots Disability Benefits

The filing of a disability claim with the SSA is a time-consuming and complex process. It is quite tedious to handle the complex paperwork while managing a medical condition. The process is also very complicated and any mistake can defeat a disability claim. However, working with an experienced attorney will help ease the overall process. A diligent attorney will help an applicant work through the entire application process.

A lawyer will guide an individual in the following ways:

• How to apply for the Social Security Disability Benefits
• Ensure that everything related to the application is filed correctly the first time.
• Appeal any denial by a hearing officer in case the application for disability benefits for POTS is initially rejected
• Appeal an existing denial of long term disability benefits

Consulting with an experienced lawyer will ensure that an application is correctly prepared before it is filed. In addition to this, an experienced lawyer will ensure that all medical evidence and assessments are done carefully and correctly.

How To Make Sure You Dont Lose Your Ssdi Benefits

If youre thinking about applying for disability but are still employed, or if youve been receiving benefits but are considering part-time work to help make ends meet, its crucial that you get all the facts before making any decisions that could put your disability benefits in jeopardy.

To get help with applying for Social Security programs, appealing a decision, or just to talk about all your legal options, consider contacting an experienced Social Security disability lawyer at Social Security Disability Advocates USA.

Our friendly legal team will schedule a free consultation to review your case and help you understand the possible impacts of SSDI income limits. Call us today at , chat with us via LiveChat, or send us a message using our secure contact form.

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Does A Medical Condition Have To Be In The Listing Of Impairments

An applicant doesn’t need to have an impairment that is listed in Social Security’s Blue Book to be awarded disability benefits. For instance, migraine headaches are not included in a listing, but if an applicant’s migraines are severe enough and are well documented, Social Security may grant disability benefits if the migraines make it impossible for the disability applicant to work a full-time job. Other common impairments that aren’t listed in Social Security’s blue book include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia,chronic regional pain syndrome,reflex sympathetic dystrophy, celiac disease, and degenerative disc disease.

The keys to getting benefits for a condition that doesn’t have a listing are that the condition must:

• be a “medically determinable impairment,” and
• reduce someone’s “residual functional capacity” enough so that they can’t do their prior job or any job.

Social Security determines your RFC by looking at how much you can lift and carry and how long you can walk and stand. Then the agency assigns you an “exertional level”âheavy, medium, light, or sedentary. If your exertional level doesn’t allow you to do any jobs that you’re suited for, you can qualify for benefits vocationally.

Ptsd And The Ssa Blue Book

The SSA Blue Book includes a list of qualifying medical and mental illness impairments. This listing contains medical criteria that applies to how they evaluate impairments when determining disability benefits.

In the SSA Blue Book, there are 11 categories listed for mental disorders. Within this portion, Section 12.15 includes trauma and stressor-related disorders, which includes PTSD.

According to the SSA, the disorder is characterized by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and the psychological aftermath of clinically significant effects on functioning. Examples of symptoms and signs of PTSD may include:

• Distressing memories
• Dreams and flashbacks related to the trauma or stressor
• Avoidant behavior
• Diminished interest or participation in significant activities
• Persistent negative emotional states
• Persistent inability to experience positive emotions
• Anxiety or irritability
• Aggression or exaggerated startle response
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbance

If your PTSD is severe enough that prevents you from working, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. Do you need help applying for disability?Contact us today.

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Medical Conditions And Disability Claims: List Of Impairments

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments is generally broken down by bodily system or function. There are separate lists for adults and children under the age of 18. For adults, the medical conditions that qualify for SSDI or SSI include:

• Musculoskeletal problems, such as back conditions and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones
• Senses and speech issues, such as vision and hearing loss
• Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis
• Cardiovascular conditions, such as chronic heart failure or coronary artery disease
• Digestive tract problems, such as liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease
• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy
• Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or hemophilia
• Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, or intellectual disability
• Immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney disease

The list of medical conditions for children under the age of 18 is virtually identical to the one for adults. Growth impairment is the only medical condition covered for children that isn’t covered for adults. For a complete list of impairments, including detailed evaluation methods, visit www.ssa.gov.

Does Your Condition Meet A Listing

First, your doctor must diagnosis you with a disability under the Listings. There are some conditions that will qualify you for disability with a diagnosis alone. Some examples include:

• ALS
• An organ transplant or
• Certain cancers such as esophageal cancer, mucosal melanoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland or small-cell carcinoma

Generally, just a diagnosis of a disability is not enough. The Listings of Impairments set out the requirements for how severe the symptoms are affecting you. SSA will review clinical findings and laboratory tests to determine if your disability meets the listing. If you have not had the clinical or laboratory tests required in the listing, you can ask your doctor to perform them.

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What Is Considered Severe Disability

Home » FAQs » Social Security Disability » What Is Considered Severe Disability?

When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance , you must have a severe impairment that keeps you from working. One question the Social Security Administration asks to see if you qualify is, Is your condition severe’?

Its essential to understand whats considered a severe disability. If your condition is not severe enough, you will not qualify for SSDI.

What Are The Most Common Conditions That Qualify For Disability Benefits

The Social Security Administration keeps a list of conditions that meet the requirements for a legal disability. The SSA updates this list frequently, and you can still qualify for benefits even if your disability is not listed. However, some conditions are more common than others. For example, genetic disorders and diseases make up a greater percentage of disability claims than accidents or injuries. The most common medical conditions awarded disability benefits include:

• Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders These conditions can include chronic back pain, arthritis and amputation.
• Nervous System Conditions The most common nervous system disorders include brain tumors, stroke, dementia and Parkinsons disease.
• Cardiovascular Disorders Heart disease is the most common cardiovascular disorder awarded benefits. Others include high blood pressure and heart failure.
• Cancer Cancer or cancer treatments can be incredibly debilitating. Certain cancers will often qualify you for a compassionate allowance, which will allow you to get benefits much more quickly.
• Mental Disorders Mental disorders that could keep you from working include schizophrenia, autism and substance abuse disorders.

Other possible conditions that could qualify you for disability benefits include diabetes, obesity, complications from pregnancy and blood disorders. Even chronic depression and broken bones sometimes meet the SSAs definition of a disability.

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