Social Security Disability Benefits Qualifying Test
To determine whether you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, try our guide step-by-step guide below. If you still have questions about your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits, please call our attorneys for a free consultation. 803.252.4800
1. Are you working?
If you are working in 2011 and your earnings add up to more than $1,180 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled. If you are not working, please look at Step 2.
2. Is your condition “severe”?
Your condition must disrupt basic work-related activities such as sitting, standing, walking, concentrating, or maintaining persistence and pace for your claim to be considered.
If your condition does not interfere basic work related tasks and activities, the Social Security Administration will find that you are not disabled. If that is the case, please read step 3.
3. Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
For each of the major body systems, Social Security maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe, being diagnosed with one automatically qualifies you for disability. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, you will be found disabled. If it is not, go to Step 4.
4. Can you do the work you did previously?
If your condition is severe, but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then Social Security must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, proceed to Step 5.
5. Can you do any other type of work?
If you cannot do the work you did in the past, Social Security must determine whether you are able to adjust to other work. Social Security considers your medical condition(s) and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved. If you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.
Strom Social Security Disability Lawyers Help at Every Step
As disability lawyers at Strom Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of Social Security clients in South Carolina and see every case through to the end.
Call us right now for a free social security case review.
By: South Carolina Social Security Lawyer Pete Strom
