Conditions That Qualify for Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program provided by the Social Security Administration to ensure that workers who become disabled have sufficient income to meet basic needs. Eligibility and amount of payment is determined by the length of work history where Social Security taxes were paid, earnings and age of onset of disability. Numerous conditions may qualify you for disability benefits.

Blind

• You may automatically qualify for disability benefits if you are blind. SSA defines blindness as having "visual acuity of 20/200 or less in your better eye with use of a correcting lens" and/or a "visual field limitation in your better eye, such that the widest diameter subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees."

End-Stage Renal Failure

• If you suffer from kidney failure and require dialysis, you may automatically qualify for disability benefits.

Hematological Disorders

• Certain hematological (blood) disorders are considered serious enough to cause disability. An example is chronic anemia, if hematocrit persists at 30 percent or less and results in one or more blood transfusions every two months.

Neurological Disorders

• Certain disorders involving the brain and peripheral nervous system may be serious enough to result in disability. Epilepsy characterized by frequent grand mal seizures that persist even with medications is an example of a neurological condition serious enough to cause disability. Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions may justify disability if they prevent you from being able to maintain employment.

Other Conditions

• Almost any condition may be sufficient to justify disability if the condition impairs functioning to the point that maintaining gainful employment--typically defined as 20 hours per week or more or employment with earnings exceeding $700 per month--is impossible.