Determining Your Eligibility with an Experienced Law Firm
If you’ve suffered a serious injury or disability that prevents you from working and supporting yourself or your family, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. This federal program provides monthly financial assistance to help cover your cost of living when you can no longer earn an income. At Tracy Law Firm, PA, we offer personalized, responsive guidance to individuals and families navigating the SSD application process.
Criteria for Qualifying for SSD Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates several factors to determine eligibility for SSD benefits. While each case is unique and proving the severity of your condition can be challenging, the SSA generally considers five key criteria:
- Work Status: If your average monthly earnings exceed the updated SSA threshold, you typically will not qualify for benefits. you typically will not qualify for benefits.
- Impact on Work Ability: Your condition must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to work. If you can continue working, you are unlikely to qualify.
- SSA’s List of Conditions: The SSA maintains a list of qualifying conditions. If your condition is listed, the application process may be faster. If it’s not, you may still qualify if your disability is equally severe.
- Previous Work Ability: If you can no longer perform the work you did before your condition worsened, this strengthens your claim.
- Ability to Perform Other Work: The SSA assesses whether you can transition into another type of work. If your condition does not prevent you from switching careers, your claim may be denied.
Common Conditions That Qualify for SSD Benefits
To help illustrate who may qualify for SSD benefits, here are some hypothetical individuals who could successfully receive assistance:
- John, 52, Construction Worker – After decades of heavy labor, John developed severe arthritis and a degenerative spine condition. He can no longer lift heavy objects or stand for extended periods, making it impossible to continue working in his trade. His condition is well-documented, and his SSD claim is approved.
- Maria, 45, Office Manager – Maria was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which causes extreme fatigue and cognitive impairments. Despite accommodations at work, she is no longer able to manage her daily responsibilities. Her neurologist provides extensive medical records supporting her claim, leading to a successful SSD application.
- David, 39, Teacher – David struggles with bipolar disorder and PTSD. His condition has worsened despite treatment, making it difficult for him to maintain steady employment. A psychiatrist and vocational expert testify on his behalf, helping him win his SSD appeal.
- Linda, 60, Former Nurse – After being diagnosed with COPD and severe coronary artery disease, Linda finds it difficult to breathe even with minimal exertion. Her specialists confirm that she cannot perform any type of work, and she is granted SSD benefits.
- James, 28, Warehouse Worker – James suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, leading to chronic migraines, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Medical records and neurological evaluations confirm his impairment, and he qualifies for SSD assistance.
A variety of medical conditions may make you eligible for SSD benefits, including:
- Musculoskeletal Conditions: Spine or back injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia
- Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis
- Mental Disorders: Depression, anxiety, cognitive disabilities, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD
- Neurological Issues: Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury
- Immune System Disorders: HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency
- Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes, thyroid disorders
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer and treatments that significantly impair work ability
- Digestive Disorders: Crohn’s disease, liver disease, chronic pancreatitis
- Musculoskeletal Conditions: Spine or back injuries
- Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, COPD
- Mental Disorders: Depression, anxiety, cognitive disabilities, schizophrenia
- Neurological Issues: Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis
- Immune System Disorders: HIV, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Coronary artery disease, heart failure
Contact a Dedicated Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
For expert legal guidance on all aspects of Social Security Disability, trust the experienced team at Tracy Law Firm, PA. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless your claim is successful.
Call us today at 888-503-6612 or contact us online to get started.
