When you’re unable to work, you have options.
Your company might offer short term disability. You might have a supplemental disability insurance plan to help cover expenses until you return to work.
In more severe cases of disability, you should also consider applying for your Social Security disability benefits.
Whether your disability is from or a medical condition, here’s how to qualify for disability assistance.
1. You Have Prior Employment Qualifications
To qualify for disability, one of your previous jobs must be with a company covered by Social Security. This means at some point in your employment history, you’ve worked for a company that withdrew Social Security from your paycheck.
If so, you’ve paid into Social Security. That’s one step toward qualifying for disability.
2. You Can’t Work in Your Profession
If your disability keeps you from working any of your past jobs or in your current profession, that’s another step toward qualifying for disability.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at the job description of your prior jobs. If it’s clear your current medical condition keeps you from performing those tasks, you have a good case for receiving disability benefits.
3. You Can’t Do Other Work
You might not be able to perform your old job. But can you do other work?
The SSA must determine if your disability or condition keeps you from performing other kinds of work.
If you’re currently working, this tells the SSA that you can perform well enough to earn an income. If you can switch to another type of job and successfully perform those tasks, you aren’t considered “disabled.”
The SSA evaluates any of your earned income against the current income threshold for supporting yourself. If you earn too much, you won’t qualify for disability.
4. Your Disability Qualifies
Your condition must fall under “recognized” disabilities under the SSA’s Listing of Impairments.
No matter how severe your condition is for you on a personal level, your disability must meet specific criteria for you to qualify for disability.
5. Your Struggle with Everyday Activities
Aside from your ability to work, your qualification for disability also depends on your physical abilities to get through the day.
The SSA evaluates your mobility, abilities to clean and dress yourself, and other personal, daily tasks. If it’s clear that you have difficulty performing simple, everyday lifestyle tasks, it’s likely you also can’t work.
Get Help
It’s not an easy system to navigate. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Using a professional evaluation service to apply for disability benefits can help you qualify and receive your benefits.
It Pays to Know How to Qualify for Disability
Chances are you’ve paid into the Social Security system. Know how to qualify for disability to get the benefits you need when you can’t work.
If you find out that you don’t qualify for disability, it might be time to create your career. how to start an online business to earn an income that caters to your needs and abilities.
