Whether you’ve experienced a debilitating personal injury or have a medical condition that prevents you from performing work, you could be eligible for social security disability. However, there are strict criteria in place that must be met to qualify, and determining your eligibility can be a daunting process. To find out if you could qualify for assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA), consider the following questions.

5 Questions to Ask Before Applying for Social Security Disability

1. Are You Currently Working?

The purpose of Social Security Disability is to provide aid for individuals who are unable to work. Thus, if you’re still working, it’s unlikely you’ll be eligible for assistance. Nonetheless, individuals who make up to $1,220 a month in 2019 may still be eligible for benefits. 

2. Is Your Condition Considered Severe?

Individuals who are considered disabled by the SSA have sustained a physical or mental condition, or combinations of health conditions that have lasted, or are expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death, and which prevents them from performing substantial gainful work activity. To be considered severe, the condition must interfere with basic activities related to work.

3. Is It Recognized by the SSA?

The SSA has a list of some common health issues and the criteria required for those conditions to be found disabled, called the Listing of Impairments. Because not all health conditions are contained in the Listing, and because you may be disabled from a combination of different impairments, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney to help you with the disability process. 

4. Can You Still Perform the Work You Did Previously?

If your medical impairment doesn’t hinder your ability to perform the work you used to do, you won’t be considered disabled. Thus, you must be able to demonstrate the ways in which your condition is severe enough to prevent you from fulfilling your duties.

5. Can You Perform Another Type of Work?

Once you meet your burden of proof in showing your inability to perform your past relevant work (work you did in the 15 years before becoming disabled), the SSA will see if you can perform alternative work. This determination takes into account your age, education, past work experience, and transferable skills.

If you think you may be eligible for social security disability, allow the team from Stine & Associates, P.C. in Westmoreland County, PA, to assist you through the application process. In addition to social security assistance, you could be eligible for compensation as a result of your personal injury. This practice practices exclusively in injury claims and disability and can navigate the complexity of filing to make the process hassle-free for you. Explore their social security disability services online or call (724) 837-0160 to set up a consultation.