Which Disabilities Are Covered by Social Security?

When discussing Social Security, we often touch on the benefits provided to retirees; however, an equally important aspect is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This federal insurance program aims to aid individuals who can’t maintain gainful employment due to a physical or mental disability. For SSDI eligibility, individuals must have a significant work history where they’ve consistently paid their Social Security taxes. These taxes translate into work credits, which are essential for qualifying for SSDI benefits.

Defining Disability According to Social Security

Disability, as per the Social Security Administration (SSA), carries a specific definition used to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Here are several key elements in SSA’s definition and clarification of ‘disability.’

• Total Disability: Unlike other programs, SSA only considers total disability for benefits. This means the individual must be entirely unable to work due to their disability. They do not provide benefits for partial disability or short-term disability.
• Unable to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The disability must hinder the individual from performing a minimum level of work, also known as SGA. For 2021, this implies earning less than $1,310 monthly ($2,190 for people who are blind).
• The Severity of the Condition: The disability needs to be severe enough to interfere with basic work-related activities. This severity is usually evaluated with standardized measures for each type of disability.
• Duration of the Disability: The disability should be expected to last at least a year or result in death. This rules out short-term or temporary conditions, however severe they may be.
• Inability to adjust to Other Work: If the individual can’t perform the work they did before their disability, SSA considers if they can adjust to other types of work. The assessment considers the person’s medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and transferable skills.
• SSA’s Blue Book Criteria: SSA maintains a manual known as the Blue Book that describes a comprehensive list of impairments. If a person’s disability is listed in this book and meets the defined requirements, they are generally considered disabled for SSDI benefits.
• Filing for Disability: Finally, an individual must file for disability benefits to be considered. Once an application is filed, SSA evaluates the claim based on their definition of disability.

Understanding the Blue Book and its Listings

The Blue Book categorizes disabilities into 14 broad sections, each dedicated to a specific body system or function.

Physical Conditions Covered by Social Security Disability

SSDI covers various physical conditions causing severe functional limitations. Among these are musculoskeletal problems like back injuries, cardiovascular conditions like heart failure or coronary artery disease, and respiratory illnesses, including asthma and COPD. The list extends to neurological disorders, mental conditions, and immune system disorders.

Specific Scenarios and Details of Coverage

The conditions discussed are generally covered under SSDI, but not every person with these conditions will qualify. SSDI requirements dictate that these conditions significantly hinder your capability to engage in gainful activity.

For instance, let’s discuss social security disability for vascular disease. In this context of heart disease disability, SSDI coverage would depend on the severity of your vascular disease and how it impacts your ability to work. Not everyone with vascular disease would qualify for disability benefits. Instead, it depends on whether the condition aligns with the stipulated criteria in Social Security’s Blue Book and if it stops you from performing the work that you did before or any other work.

Mental Conditions Covered by Social Security Disability

SSDI also covers several mental conditions that significantly disrupt a person’s ability to work. These mental conditions include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, depressive disorders, autism, etc.

Specific Details of Coverage for Mental Health Conditions

Lawyers that handle disability cases, often referred to as SSD advocates, would tell you that mental conditions are assessed just as thoroughly as physical conditions. Your mental disorder must meet the established criteria to be eligible for disability benefits.

Conditions Not Covered by Social Security Disability

While the range of conditions covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is extensive, not all health issues are eligible for benefits. Criteria may exclude certain conditions based on their duration, severity, and impact on workability. Below, we’ll detail several conditions typically not covered by SSDI.

1. Short-Term Conditions: SSDI supports those with long-term, disabling conditions that impede their ability to work. Hence it does not cover short-term conditions. If a disability is anticipated to last less than a year, it won’t qualify for SSDI. This includes injuries like bone fractures or conditions like acute illnesses, which are expected to improve within 12 months.
2. Certain Mental Health Conditions: Although SSDI covers many mental health disorders, not all qualify. For instance, conditions like mild depression, minor anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders might not meet the severity or duration criteria set by SSDI.
3. Drug or Alcohol Addiction: Substance abuse disorders, including drug or alcohol addiction, are not considered disabling conditions by SSDI. However, it’s important to note that individuals with conditions caused by substance abuse, such as liver disease or brain damage, may still qualify for benefits, provided they meet other SSDI criteria and their condition would remain disabling in the absence of substance use.
4. Uncontrolled Conditions Due to Lack of Treatment: If a condition could be managed or controlled by following prescribed treatment and yet isn’t, due to the applicant’s non-compliance, it usually won’t qualify. For instance, a person with uncontrolled diabetes, who fails to follow their treatment plan, may be denied SSDI benefits.
5. Poor Vision in One Eye: Poor vision or blindness in just one eye does not typically qualify for SSDI, as the program considers the vision in both eyes. Hence, if the other eye has good vision, the person generally wouldn’t be considered disabled.
6. Obesity: In most cases, obesity in and of itself doesn’t qualify for SSDI. However, if an individual has obesity-related conditions like heart disease or diabetes that meet the SSDI criteria, they may be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Navigating Through Social Security Disability Process

Applying for SSDI benefits involves preparing, completing the application, and knowing how to appeal if your claim gets denied. Often, free tools can help with this process, like a Disability Evaluation under Social Security. It offers insights into the likelihood of your application being accepted and guides you through the next steps.

Conclusion

Understanding SSDI and its eligibility criteria is key if you or someone you know is considering applying for disability benefits. While a broad list of physical and mental conditions is covered, it’s important to note that the severity and impact on workability are crucial determinants of eligibility. Seeking professional help, such as lawyers specializing in disability cases or using free tools like a disability evaluation, can help streamline the process.