How Does the Social Security Agency Determine If I Am Disabled?
Social Security laws
Social Security law requires that all received applications are reviewed. First, the Social Security Administration confirms the applicant meets basic requirements and worked enough years according to disability law and evaluates whether the applicant is currently working. Applications that pass this stage move on to the Disability Determination Services office in the applicable state. According to disability laws, this agency works with doctors and specialists to consider the medical evidence regarding:
- The medical condition
- When this condition began
- How this condition limits activities
- Medical test results
- Treatment
To make a disability benefit judgment, the state agency staff may ask for additional tests.
How the Decision is Reached
Social Security laws require the agency use a five-step process to decide if whether or not an applicant is sufficiently disabled to receive disability benefits.
- Is the applicant working, and do their earnings exceed a certain amount?
- Is the medical condition severe enough?
- Is the applicable condition on the List of Impairments?
- Can the applicant perform the work they did before the injury?
- Can the applicant do any other type of work?
There are many additional rules regarding Social Security benefits for applicants who are blind or visually impaired.
When the state agency reaches a decision regarding a Social Security disability benefit, it informs the applicant via mail. Letters of approval show the amount of the Social Security benefit and the timeframe in which they start. Otherwise, the letter explains the appeals process for Social Security disability benefits.
Contact Eric Buchanan & Associates, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, to discuss your Social Security disability claim application.
