For those in Kissimmee who have an injury, illness or condition that prevents them from functioning normally or working, it might seem obvious that they are candidates to receive Social Security disability benefits. However, there are common mistakes that applicants make that lead to them being denied Social Security. Bearing certain facts in mind can help when pursuing benefits.
According to the United States census, approximately 12 percent of the entire population in the country is disabled. Statistically, the odds are high that a person will eventually become disabled and have an inability to work. Knowing the five steps that the Social Security Administration will use when making a decision is key.
First, it is important to have enough working credits and to not have earned too much money. For benefits, there is a certain amount of time to have worked. The SSA will look at the recent work period that often depends on age and the duration of work. The income currently being earned is also important.
Second, the condition must be deemed severe. The issue must interfere with any activity that is related to work. It must also have lasted for at least 12 months or end in death. Partial or short-term problems will not meet the requirement to be considered severe.
Third, the SSA has a listing of impairments that it will study to determine whether or not there is the ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. Even with that, it is possible to be ruled disabled if a condition is similar to one on the listings.
Fourth, it must be impossible for the claimant to do work that was previously done. The residual functional capacity (RFC) will be examined in the context of what kind of work can be done. Environmental factors, the ability to exert oneself in basic ways and whether there is the mental capacity to complete instructions are important.
Finally, it must be impossible to do other kinds of work. Whether or not employers are hiring is irrelevant.
Understanding the basics of receiving Social Security disability is one of the biggest factors in gaining an approval for benefits. Before moving forward with a case, it may be possible to avoid commonly made mistakes by speaking to a legal professional experienced in helping clients apply for Social Security disability benefits.
Source: The Motley Fool, “Social Security Disability Requirements: 5 Things You Need to Know,” July 20, 2015
