SSD benefits can help disabled individuals with their needs

This blog recently discussed some of the challenges disabled individuals face. As a result, it is important for disabled individuals to be familiar with how they can qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits and what the requirements are to qualify. By doing so, they may be able to obtain the financial resources they need to eliminate many of the newfound challenges that have been imposed upon them by their medical condition.

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, a disabled individual must meet both medical condition requirements and work history requirements. Work credits that are needed to meet work history requirements are earned during the course of a disabled individual's employment. As for one's medical condition, a disabled individual must generally suffer from a medical condition lasting 12 months or longer, or is expected to result in death, that is severe enough that it prevents them from engaging in any gainful activity.

For an impairment to be considered severe, it must significantly limit the disabled individual's ability, physically or mentally, to perform basic activities required by most types of employment. Additionally, the Social Security Administration maintains a list of medical conditions that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The injuries and illnesses on this list are referred to the compassionate allowances. If a disabled individual suffers from a medical condition on the list, then they may also receive expedited processing of their claim.

If a disabled individual does not meet one of the medical conditions on the list, they may be able to demonstrate their disability through their medical records, which is why it is important to keep careful and detailed account of the medical care and treatment a disabled individual receives for their medical condition. Disabled individuals also must be unable to perform the work they did prior to the onset of their disability, or they must be unable to adjust to any other type of work. SSD benefits are important for the daily needs of disabled individuals who are unable to work, and their families, which is why they should be familiar with when and how they can obtain disability benefits.