Some medical conditions only cause temporary symptoms. People undergo treatment and rapidly recover. Other times, medical conditions may persist or may even progress if people do not receive proper treatment for them.
In some cases, medical conditions may last for years or for the rest of an individual’s life. They might face challenges related to their work. Sometimes, those with long-term and significant medical challenges worry about being able to support themselves when their symptoms affect their ability to perform job functions.
In specific scenarios, those professionals might be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. How can potential applicants determine if they qualify for SSDI benefits?
By reviewing the mandatory criteria
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides clear information about when people qualify for SSDI benefits. Not only does the SSA provide a relatively thorough list of medical conditions that can qualify, but the organization also provides an explanation of the standards used to analyze individual applications.
There are 14 different categories of qualifying conditions, ranging from endocrine disorders and mental health challenges to respiratory disorders. Not everyone with a listed condition necessarily qualifies, and people can qualify for benefits with medical issues not included on the list.
What matters most is not necessarily a specific diagnosis but instead the duration of an individual’s symptoms and the overall severity of the condition. Generally speaking, applicants need to have conditions that are so debilitating they can no longer work at all.
People who have to transfer to different jobs may not be eligible for benefits because they can still work. There are some exceptions to this rule if the worker has performed arduous manual labor for decades and has a marginal education. For most people, however, there must be proof that a condition prevents them from maintaining any kind of gainful employment.
The condition also needs to last for 12 months or longer for an applicant to be eligible for SSDI coverage. Completely debilitating medical conditions that resolve in less than a year typically do not qualify individuals for benefits unless they are terminal conditions.
People looking for ways to support themselves when dealing with medical challenges may need help reviewing the SSA’s policies and objectively analyzing their current circumstances. Learning more about the rules that govern SSDI benefits may help people determine whether applying is a worthwhile endeavor.