What Are the Medical Standards for Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) refers to the federal program that provides financial support for the disabled. The disabled must meet strict medical criteria to receive SSDI. There are other criteria that must be met as well.

What Conditions Are Covered?

• Any medical condition, physical or mental, that prevents you from working is covered by Social Security. The Social Security Administration has a list of many common disabling conditions such as disorders of the spine, asthma, chronic heart failure, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with specific criteria, but conditions not on that list can be covered too as long as they are as disabling as a condition on the list.

Severity of the Condition

• Many people with disabilities, even serious disabilities, work at a variety of jobs. Using a wheelchair or having another disabling condition does not automatically qualify a person for SSDI.

Prognosis

• To qualify for Social Security disability, your condition must be expected to last for at least one year or to end in death. Social Security does not provide any short-term disability benefits.

Determining If a Person Is Disabled

• To determine if a person meets the medical standards for Social Security disability, the Social Security Administration collects medical records and information from his doctors and other health care providers. They may also ask him to be examined by a doctor of the agency's choosing.

Maintaining Benefits

• The Social Security Administration conducts regular reviews of those receiving SSDI to see if they continue to meet the medical standards required. If someone's condition improves, he will no longer be eligible for SSDI.