Every year, more than 2.5 million people file for disability in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Their goal is to be classified as being disabled by the federal government, which entitles them to health and pay benefits they would be getting if they were at work. The process of filing for a disability can be a long one, and there is a backlog of cases. The reason for the backlog is that the government examines each case thoroughly to decide who is and who is not disabled.
Basic Definition
The SSA defines someone with a permanent disability as a combination of not being able to do previous work, having a condition that will last for more than one year or ultimately in death, and being unable to adjust to other work. For example, if a worker injures his leg on the job and can return in six months, he is not permanently disabled. If a person breaks his back on the job and loses motor functions forever, then he is considered disabled.
Deciding on Disability
If a person is currently working, she is not considered disabled. That may sound obvious, but the SSA believes that some people will file for disability on one job while working at something nonstrenuous on the side like tending bar or sitting at a desk. That is the first step in deciding disability.
Severity of Conditions
The SSA will also look at the severity of conditions when deciding a case. Just because someone has a disability doesn't mean it is permanent. There are 14 major categories for disability listed by the SSA. They include impairments to the skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems, skin disorders, neurological impairments, and mental disorders.
Exceptions
The SSA will make exceptions for cases that are considered to be life threatening such as a person suffering from leukemia or pancreatic cancer. These cases will be investigated immediately. The SSA also will expedite cases for people with injuries that likely will lead to a permanent disability such as brain damage.
Special Situations
People who were wounded in combat, are blind or are the children or spouse of a disabled person may also qualify for Social Security benefits on a case-by-case basis. For example, a person who takes cares of a disabled spouse can file for disability benefits such as money to pay for medical costs. A wounded soldier who goes back to work also is eligible to receive disability benefits.
Reviews
Even if a person is listed as disabled, he may still get reviewed by the SSA periodically to check for any changes. In addition, a person can ask to be removed from the disability list if she wants to return to work or her condition improves.
Tags: file disability, Social Security, considered disabled, disability benefits, disabled person