The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or have lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. The SSA will consider you disabled only if your physical or mental condition prevents you from doing work that you did before, and there are no jobs available where these conditions wouldn’t prevent you from working.
What Disability Means When Applying for Social Security Disability
First, it’s essential to understand that being disabled doesn’t just mean being unable to walk without help. A person with diabetes may qualify for Social Security Disability Hyattsville (SSD) benefits even though they’re still able to do some light cleaning around their home because their insulin-dependent condition substantially limits what they can do.
To qualify for SSD benefits, you must be unable to do any work whatsoever. This limitation includes your past job, any other work you may be able to do, and even work you’ve done in the past. If you can do any job that exists, no matter how limited, you won’t qualify for SSD.
No Quick Recovery
To qualify for SSD benefits, your disability must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Short-term disabilities, such as a broken bone that will heal within six months, typically don’t qualify for SSD benefits.
Other Benefits Could Be Impacted
Lastly, suppose you’re receiving social security retirement benefits, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or another social security benefit. In that case, your monthly social security income may be reduced by the same amount as your SSD check. This deduction is taken out of your social security check so that you always receive at least some social security income even if you become disabled before being eligible for social security retirement.
