Eligibility and requirements for Social Security Disability claim

The federal government has implemented ways to assist citizens with disabilities. It provides monetary allowance to needy yet qualified employees with impairment.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a set of qualifications and requirements for the claimants to comply. After receipt, SSA evaluates applications. The outcome of your claim largely depends on your eligibility and medical records.

SSA has a distinct definition for disability. Disability refers to the incapacity of a person to perform substantial gainful activity due to medical or physical condition that is expected to last long term or result in death.

The claimant must prove that he or she cannot perform work duties at a current job, nor perform alternative jobs. Evidence should be presented to prove that the disability hinders the claimant in performing day-to-day functions and job responsibilities.

The SSA shortlists applicants who have adequate medical records that proves the severity of the physical/ mental condition. The SSA evaluates the claimant's ability to perform daily routines such as walking, moving, standing, seeing, hearing, and speaking.

Medical proof for disability

The claimant may present the following medical documents:

1. Diagnosis
2. Laboratory exam results
3. Medical certificate from the attending physician
4. Hospital bill receipts

The impairment of the claimant must match any of the recognized disability of SSA. If the claimant has no available medical document, the SSA will require him/her to undergo state health examination. All the documents and will be gathered to serve as a basis for evaluating the capability of the claimant to perform substantial gainful activity.

SSA will have the claimant undergo special medical examinations, if the impairment or illness is not included in the recognized disability list. State physicians may also conduct further observation to claimants who have history of past employment.

Substantial gainful activity is defined as a profitable job either full time or part time. SSA considers the claimants' education, employment history, age, and physical ability in deciding whether he or she qualifies for the Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The eligibility for SSD may be influenced by the claimant's past earnings while the symptoms has been manifesting.

If you want to avail of SSD benefits, go to the nearest Social Security office and complete the following:

1. Application form
2. Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire
3. Work History Report

With your application, enclose supporting documents and medical records as evidence of your disability.

Consult with a professional Social Security lawyer in Los Angeles to help you file a disability claim.