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Can I Receive Social Security Disability for Vision or Hearing Loss?
While there are many different types of health conditions that may cause a person to be disabled, issues related to a person’s senses are some of the most well-recognized disabilities. A person who is blind is understood to have significant limitations that will affect their ability to maintain gainful employment, and an inability to hear will also limit a person’s ability to perform different types of activities at work or at home. Those who suffer from these types of disabilities will often be eligible for benefits through Social Security, and they will need to understand the qualifications they will need to meet to demonstrate that they are disabled and receive financial assistance.
When Is Vision or Hearing Loss Considered a Disability?
Social Security’s Listing of Impairments details specific conditions that are considered disabilities. If a person meets the requirements detailed in the listing for a certain condition, they will typically be considered disabled, allowing them to receive benefits. The listing for vision loss details the types of tests that may be performed to measure a person’s visual acuity and visual efficiency. Generally, if a person is considered to be statutorily or legally blind, meaning that their vision in their better eye is measured at 20/200 or less even with corrective lenses, they will qualify as disabled.
How Will a Continuing Disability Review Affect SSD Benefits?
When a physical or mental condition causes a person to be unable to work, they may rely on Social Security disability benefits to help meet their ongoing financial needs. The application process for these benefits can be complicated, and a person will need to demonstrate that they suffer from ongoing issues that have prevented them from maintaining gainful employment and that their condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year. Even after a person is granted disability benefits, they may experience issues related to the continuation of benefits, since Social Security will conduct regular reviews to ensure that they still meet the requirements to be considered disabled.
When Does Social Security Perform Disability Reviews?
While disability benefits will be paid for as long as a person has a disability, Social Security is required by law to review cases on an ongoing basis to ensure that people who receive benefits still meet all applicable requirements. The frequency of these reviews will usually depend on the severity of a person’s condition, and reviews may be conducted as follows:
How Do Medical and Vocational Experts Affect SSD Cases?
For those who suffer from physical or mental conditions that prevent them from working full-time, Social Security disability can provide essential financial assistance. However, the process of applying for these benefits can sometimes be complicated, and applicants will need to provide extensive documentation demonstrating that their condition is severe enough to be considered a disability by Social Security. If a claim is denied, a person can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The testimony of medical and vocational experts can play an important role in this type of hearing. By understanding the types of issues these experts will address, a person can make sure they are taking the correct steps to receive the benefits they need.
Testimony of Medical Experts
A medical expert (ME) who testifies at a hearing will serve as an independent, impartial source who can review evidence and offer an opinion about a person’s limitations that may affect their ability to work. An ME will not physically examine a person; instead, they will review medical records and testimony provided by an applicant or other witnesses and answer questions asked by the ALJ and the applicant or their attorney.
When Is a Consultative Examination Performed During an SSD Claim?
When a person has a significant disability that prevents them from working at a level that will allow them to support themselves, they may be able to receive disability benefits through Social Security. However, the process of applying for these benefits can be complicated, and multiple types of information will need to be provided to demonstrate that the person has what is considered a “total” disability. During the Social Security disability (SSD) claims process, a person may be required to receive an examination from a medical provider that will be used to determine whether their health condition meets the qualifications for disability. This is known as a consultative examination or CE, and an applicant will need to understand how this type of exam may affect their claim.
When Will Social Security Order a CE?
In some cases, the information a person provides when applying for disability benefits will be sufficient for Social Security to make a determination. However, there are many cases where Social Security will seek out additional information about a person’s diagnosis and treatment plan and the effects their condition has had on their ability to work. A consultative examination may be ordered if:
What Types of Spine Disorders Qualify for Social Security Disability?
There are multiple different types of health conditions that may cause a person to be disabled. Among these, conditions that result in severe back pain can be very difficult to deal with. Injuries that affect the muscles in the back or the bones, nerves, and other tissues in the spinal cord can affect a person’s ability to stand, walk, reach for and carry objects, bend over, or even sit in one place for an extended period of time. Because of these issues, those who suffer from back injuries or disorders affecting the spine will often struggle to hold down steady employment, since they may be unable to perform work-related tasks and maintain a consistent pace of work throughout the day. Fortunately, people with these conditions may be able to receive Social Security disability benefits. However, they will need to understand the qualifications that they will need to meet to show that their back pain or spinal injuries are severe enough to be considered a disability.
Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?
Debilitating injuries or serious illnesses can play a major role in a person’s life, affecting their ability to work and support themselves and their family. For those who suffer from conditions that are severe enough to be considered a total disability, Social Security disability benefits can provide essential financial assistance. However, these benefits may not fully address a person’s needs, and they may wish to supplement them by finding ways to earn an income. However, a person who is disabled may be concerned about whether returning to work will affect their ability to continue receiving benefits. By understanding the restrictions that apply and the options that are available, a person can ensure that they will continue to have the financial resources they need.
Working While Receiving Disability Benefits
To qualify for Social Security disability, a person will need to demonstrate that they are not currently working, or if they are working, they are earning less than what is considered substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2022, SGA is defined as $1,350 per month, or $2,260 per month for a person who is blind. A person who receives disability benefits may work part-time or in a low-wage position, and if they earn less than the amount that is considered SGA, this will not affect the benefits they receive.
How Will Work History Affect a Social Security Disability Application?
When a person suffers from disabilities that are severe enough to limit their ability to maintain employment, they may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. These benefits can be crucial, ensuring that a person will have the financial resources to provide for their needs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits based on the income a person earned in the past. To qualify for SSDI, a person will need to meet a variety of criteria, and Social Security will look at the severity of their health condition and whether they are able to continue working. During this process, one issue that is considered is whether a person can do work they have performed in the past. By understanding how Social Security defines “past relevant work,” an applicant can be prepared to answer questions about their status, their ability to work, and their need for disability benefits.
How Long Do I Need to Work to Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
A physical or mental disability can be a serious issue that affects a person’s health, well-being, and quality of life. In addition to causing pain and discomfort and affecting a person’s relationship and home life, a disability may make it impossible for a person to maintain employment. This can put a person and their family in a difficult financial position, especially if they have additional expenses related to medical treatment or assistive devices and other accommodations in their home and vehicles. Fortunately, those who suffer from disabilities that affect their ability to work may be able to receive disability benefits through Social Security.
There are two types of disability benefits offered by Social Security: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Of these, SSDI is often the preferable option, since it provides benefits based on the income a person has earned in the past, while SSI provides assistance on a needs-based basis for people without a significant work history. To qualify for SSDI, a person must have earned sufficient “work credits” throughout their career. By understanding how these credits are calculated and the number of credits that will qualify for disability benefits, a person can make sure they will be able to receive the financial assistance that will address their needs.
Can I Qualify for Social Security Disability if I Have Depression?
There are multiple types of disabilities that can prevent a person from pursuing or maintaining gainful employment. If you have serious and ongoing health issues, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In addition to disabilities related to physical conditions such as injuries or illnesses, these benefits may also address mental health issues that affect your ability to work, including depression. Since mental illnesses are not always as outwardly obvious as other types of disabilities, it is important to understand the requirements that must be met in order for a person to receive benefits through Social Security.
When Is Depression Considered a Disability?
Clinical depression is a serious mental illness that can drastically affect a person’s ability to perform work, complete daily tasks, and maintain relationships with others. A person may be diagnosed with a condition such as major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder if they experience symptoms such as irritability, extreme sadness, a lack of interest or ability to take pleasure in activities they had previously enjoyed or participated in, decreased energy, difficulty maintaining body weight, problems with concentration, social withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
How Can Prescribed Treatment Affect a Social Security Disability Claim?
There are many different types of health issues that may cause a person to be disabled. For those who suffer from serious health conditions, government benefits can be an essential resource that will allow them to cover their ongoing expenses. Social Security disability benefits can provide much-needed assistance, but to qualify for these benefits, a person will need to demonstrate that they meet Social Security’s standards for disability. One issue that can affect eligibility for benefits is whether a person has followed the prescribed medical treatment for their condition.
When Social Security May Consider a Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment
If a person does not follow the treatment plan prescribed by a doctor, this may affect their ability to receive disability benefits. However, Social Security will only consider a failure to follow prescribed treatment in certain situations. This issue may be considered when determining whether a person’s condition is included in or is functionally equivalent to an entry in the Listing of Impairments. If a person would not meet the criteria for a listing if they had followed a doctor’s prescribed treatment, disability benefits may be denied. This issue may also be considered when determining whether a person has the residual functional capacity to perform work that is available. If Social Security determines that a person would be able to work if they had followed a doctor’s prescribed treatment, they may be denied disability benefits.
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