Disability Defined

According to the guidelines established by the SSA, a person is disabled and entitled to benefits when afflicted with any medical condition (physical or mental) that prevents the applicant from gainful employment.

Covered Conditions

SSA guidelines state that physical conditions such as severe asthma, AIDS and cancer, along with mental conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, meet the standards of qualifying disabilities. The list of conditions is extensive, and others not specifically listed may also be allowed upon review.

Severity and Duration

Just because an applicant walks with a cane or uses a wheelchair is not an automatic qualification for disability benefits. In order to be allowed benefits, the applicant must not be able to perform any job because of the severity of the disabling condition. The illness or injury also must be expected to last for a year or end in death.

Determination

When determining eligibility, medical records are examined for details of the condition as well as historical information on severity and treatment received. If after reviewing the records more information is needed, the applicant will be referred to physicians for further investigation at the SSA's expense.

Keeping Benefits

Upon approval for disability benefits, the recipient will receive monthly payments for a year. After the initial approval, the case is reviewed annually, and if the condition has improved, payments may cease.

Source:

Social Security Administration: General Information