Medical-Disability Information

Applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be a daunting experience. However, understanding what to expect will make the process less stressful.

Definition

• A medical disability is defined by the SSA as a "medically determinable" physical or mental impairment that prohibits the applicant from engaging in a "substantial gainful activity" (SGA).

Qualifications

• Qualified applicants are those who have either paid into the Social Security Trust Fund through payroll deductions or those who have not paid into the fund but have a limited income due to a medical disability that keeps them from working.

Requirements

• The medically determinable impairment must be one that can be documented by what the SSA refers to as "medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques."

Process

• Approval is determined by a panel of two--a medical consultant and a disability examiner--at Disability Determination Services (DDS), a state agency that is funded by the federal government. If the claim is denied, the process allows for two appeals.

Warning

• If the DDS is not satisfied with the medical evidence provided by the applicant, it can require that the applicant be evaluated by a "consultative examiner," a medical professional trained and approved by the SSA. If this happens, it should serve as a warning to you to seek professional legal assistance.