| Since Social Security is a government-subsidized | | | | following questions: |
| program, the answer to this question is never simple. | | | | What is your age? |
| Basically, Social Security disability benefits are intended | | | | What prevents you from working? (List your medical |
| for those who cannot work, or at least cannot work | | | | problems) |
| enough to get by each month. | | | | How long have these problems been going on? |
| If left to that definition, of course, many more people | | | | Are you currently working? If so, how many hours |
| would be receiving Social Security disability benefits. | | | | week? |
| The part that prevents some from being approved is | | | | How long have you been working/not working? |
| that Social Security has what they call "the listing," | | | | What jobs have you held previously? |
| which is simply a list on paper of the medical problems | | | | What doctors have you seen? How long have you |
| that qualify and their severity. It is the government's | | | | seen him/her? |
| way of categorizing something that is very difficult to | | | | What has your doctor said about you working or |
| categorize. | | | | applying for Social Security? * |
| This presents two hurdles to anyone interested in | | | | (*This is an important question, because if your doctor |
| receiving Social Security benefits. First, you have to | | | | is supportive of your receiving benefits, you'll likely have |
| present evidence that you meet the listings; or that you | | | | good medical evidence of your disability. However, if |
| cannot work, or at least enough to support yourself. | | | | he/she is not supportive, you still have the option of |
| This evidence is usually in the form of medical records. | | | | getting another medical opinion.) |
| The problem with this is that many people cannot | | | | The second option is to contact Social Security directly |
| afford to see a doctor, which is why they are applying | | | | and ask if you qualify. They will likely ask you many of |
| in the first place. Second, many applicants don't fit | | | | the same questions. However, you may not get an |
| nicely into a certain category, or listing. For instance, | | | | answer right away. The worker will probably want to |
| what if a person has a minor physical disability that, by | | | | see more information from your doctor and/or |
| itself, does not entirely disqualify them from | | | | employer and have you complete an application. (For |
| employment. But they also have a mental disability, and | | | | information about applying for Social Security, see my |
| the combination makes it very difficult to work. This | | | | blog on the application process.) |
| person may still qualify under Social Security's rules. | | | | So, do you qualify for Social Security disability |
| There are two ways to find out if you meet their | | | | benefits? If you're having a difficult time working, the |
| listings. First, you can check with a Social Security | | | | answer may be yes. Now that you know how to find |
| disability attorney. They can usually let you know within | | | | out, don't hesitate. It's a long and paperwork-filled road, |
| minutes if you qualify. They will likely ask you the | | | | but it is possible. And definitely worth it. |