Under the law, a disability is the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to physical or mental impairments that are expected to result in death or that have lasted for at least 12 months.
Unfortunately, disabling conditions can strike at any point in time, and illness or injury can leave a person unprepared for what is to come. When a disability arises, it can snatch a person’s ability to perform even the simplest tasks. Your odds of becoming disabled before you reach retirement is 1 in 3. Some of the most common causes of disability may surprise you.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. The one who is not affected by this disease may not understand its deadliness. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not respond normally to or does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, causing glucose levels in the blood to be abnormally high.
Glucose acts as a source of energy, but diabetes causes the levels to spike, causing severe health problems. The two most common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells present in the pancreas. In Type 2, the body becomes resistant to insulin’s effects.
Several disability benefits are available for people who are affected by diabetes. In some cases, people who take diabetes medication can receive free prescriptions. In terms of benefits for diabetes, the eligibility depends on how the disease has taken a toll on your body. Just like obesity, diabetes is commonly linked to other serious issues, such as heart disease.
The extent to which an individual is disabled will determine whether they are approved for disability benefits. There are two kinds of disability benefits that the Social Security Administration (SSA) grants: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
SSDI provides a monthly check if you are unable to work as a result of a disabling physical or mental condition. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked for a certain amount of time. Conversely, SSI is only available for people who make less than a certain amount and do not have much savings.
Depression
Depression is a type of mood disorder. A person may qualify for this kind of disability if their condition impairs their cognition, limits their ability to engage in social interactions, and causes them to be unable to concentrate. Depression is considered to be a psychiatric disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Depression can make it difficult or impossible for people to work. Your doctor may diagnose you with this condition if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Excessive fatigue
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Difficulties with concentration
- Memory problems
- Suicidal thoughts
SSDI is the first program to consider if depression has disrupted your ability to work, but you need to prove that you have not been able to work for at least 12 months and have paid Social Security paycheck deductions when you were working. SSI is designed to help you have low income and few assets. To qualify for SSI, you must have:
- Low income based on where you live
- Less than $2,000 in assets
- A combined income of less than $3,000, if you are married
If you meet the criteria listed above, it is essential to initiate the disability for depression application process. You can apply directly to the Social Security Office or hire an attorney to guide you through the process.
Anxiety
To qualify for disability benefits based on an anxiety diagnosis, you should be able to demonstrate that your symptoms are chronic and have lasted for at least 12 months. If anxiety prevents you from working, you may be eligible to receive benefits. In general, doctors commonly diagnose five major types of anxiety:
- Generalized anxiety disorder, which is a constant state of tension that is not related to any particular situation. To be diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, the symptoms should persist for at least six months
- Panic disorder, which can cause recurring anxiety attacks that last about 10 minutes, on average
- Phobias, which can lead to irrational thoughts and debilitating fears of situations, things, events, or places
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, which can lead to severe stress symptoms that last for more than a month, resulting from a traumatic experience or situation
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, which causes ritualistic behavior or obsessions as a result of the anxiety.
To seek and qualify for benefits for anxiety, you will need to present your medical history, including a list of treatment that you have undergone. If you suffer from physical, emotional, or mental impairments in Miami, talk to experienced legal professionals who can review your claim for free and help you understand the criteria for benefits. A lawyer can help you address any questions you may have about the application process and the requirements to qualify for benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) approves about one-third of applications that it receives, based on initial claims. It is common to receive a denial notice after you apply. If you seek legal assistance from a lawyer, you can improve your chances of success in the following appeals process:
- Requesting a reconsideration
- Building a solid case for approval
- Arguing for approval, back pay, and other benefits
- Collecting additional evidence that will meet the requirements
- Investigating why the SSA denied the claim
Medical attention is the top priority when you are suffering from a debilitating disease. A disability can easily take a toll on your quality of life. However, with proper medical documentation, you may qualify for disability benefits from the SSA.
Consult a Social Security disability lawyer for more information, and learn your chances of succeeding on a claim.