Reasons to Get Disability

Disability benefits are available if your disability is severe enough to cause an inability to work and support yourself. You must obtain a doctor's evaluation and recommendation to prove you are disabled and unable to work. Other documentation and records concerning the nature of your disability may also be required. There are five types of disability that make you eligible to receive disability benefits if your condition prevents you from working. These include temporary or permanent physical impairment, low intellectual functioning and temporary or permanent impairment due to a mental disorder.
  1. Temporary Physical Impairment

    • An accident can result in temporary disability and inability to work.

      To receive disability benefits for a temporary physical impairment, your disability and inability to work due to an injury need to have lasted at least one year. You must obtain a doctor's assessment, diagnosis and recommendation stating you temporarily cannot work because of your injury and subsequent disability. You must also have documentation proving your disability and inability to work has lasted for at least one year.

    Permanent Physical Impairment

    • Those with permanent physical impairments can receive help when they cannot work.

      You may have been born with a physical impairment that renders you permanently disabled, unable to work and support yourself. Or, you may have been severely injured, leaving you disabled and unable to work for life. If you are in either unfortunate situation, you will be eligible to receive disability benefits. A doctors' evaluation is required, indicating you cannot work and are disabled due to a permanent physical impairment.

    Low Intellectual Capabilities

    • A person with low intellectual abilities can receive lifelong disability benefits.

      You can get help in the event you were born with low intellectual capabilities that prevent you from working and supporting yourself. One type of help is disability benefits. If you are born with low intellectual functioning and cannot work, you qualify to receive lifelong disability benefits. A doctor's report is required, including an assessment of your intellectual functioning, a diagnosis of your type of mental retardation and a recommendation for disability benefits.

    Temporary Impairment Due to a Mental Disorder

    • Symptoms, such as sadness and crying, can interfere with work.

      If you have a mental disorder and experience an exacerbation of symptoms for at least one year, making you disabled and unable to work, you qualify for temporary disability benefits. A licensed psychiatrist or psychologist must conduct an assessment, make a diagnosis and recommend you receive temporary disability benefits based on the degree of your impairment. Documentation of at least one hospitalization at a psychiatric treatment facility may also be required.

    Long-term Impairment Due to a Mental Disorder

    • A severe mental illness can cause a lifelong inability to work.

      You qualify for permanent disability benefits due to a mental disorder if you suffer from a chronic mental disorder that prevents you from working. To prove you are unable to work because of your mental disorder you must undergo a psychiatric evaluation conducted by either a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will recommend you for lifelong disability benefits based on the assessment, diagnosis and prognosis. A documented history of psychiatric treatment is required.

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