Who is Eligible for Social Security Disability?
In the United States, people who are unable to work due to a medical or mental condition projected to last a year or more, or with a terminal diagnosis, can receive benefits. Federal laws regarding disability qualifications are strict, however. If you have a disability and cannot work, contact your local Social Security office to begin the application process.
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Basic Requirements
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A person who is unable to work due to mental or physical conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration will review your application for a qualifying disability or other conditions that may allow you to receive benefits. Typically, you cannot be working and earn more than $1,000 per month.
The severity of your condition is important for deciding eligibility. If your condition interferes with your ability to work, you are likely eligible, although a serious condition does not guarantee benefits. There is an extensive list of conditions that do support automatic disability.
According to the Social Security Administration, conditions such as Lou Gehrig's disease, acute leukemia and many cancers qualify as severe. Mental conditions such as manic-depressive disorders, autism and other mental impairments that interfere with work also make a person eligible for Social Security disability.
Widow and Widower Benefits
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Widows or widowers may qualify for a spouse's benefits under certain conditions. Surviving spouses between the ages of 50 to 60 with disabilities or meeting the requirements for a qualified disability, may receive Social Security disability under a deceased spouse's work records. Surviving spouses with disabilities that began before the death, or up to seven years after the death, of the deceased spouse, are also eligible.
Surviving spouses raising children receiving Social Security benefits when a disability occurs are eligible for benefits. The disability can occur up to 7 years after the children stop receiving benefits.
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Adult Children Benefits
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Disabled children receiving disability benefits until the age of 18 under their parents' Social Security eligibility are likely eligible as adults to continue receiving benefits. They receive Social Security disability under a provision called an adult "child" benefit. This is important because they are receiving benefits without their own work histories; they receive benefits as long as they remain disabled.
Considerations for the Bind
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Those who are blind, or have low vision, have different considerations. They may qualify for either Social Security disability or the Supplemental Security Income program. The legal definition of blindness is 20/200 vision that intervention cannot correct. Other visual problems may qualify for benefits if the problems prevent an individual from performing a job.
Military Service Benefits
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Those in the military are eligible for "expedited" review of disability claims. Military personnel are eligible to apply for benefits if disabled while on "active military service," as of October 1, 2001. It does not matter where the disability happened. Applying for Social Security disability is not the same as applying for veteran's benefits. Military personnel may be eligible for benefits from both agencies.
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References
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