The Basics of Medical Eligibility for Disability Benefits
The Basics of Medical Eligibility for Disability Benefits
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How Do You Qualify Medically for Social Security Disability or SSI?
Here's an overview of how Social Security decides whether you are medically eligible for disability benefits.
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How Long Do You Have to Be Disabled Before You Can Get Disability Benefits?
You don't have to be disabled for any length of time before you apply for disability benefits, but there is a five-month waiting period to receive SSDI payments.
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Can Certain Medical Conditions Get You Approved for Disability Automatically?
There are conditions for which disability is automatically approved if you fulfill the listed requirements.
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Disability Determination Services (DDS) and Social Security Disability Claims
Examiners at DDS decides both Social Security Disability (SSD) claims and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability claims.
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Do You Have to Be Permanently Disabled to Get Social Security Disability?
You don't need to be disabled forever to get Social Security.
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How Social Security Evaluates Chronic Pain in Disability Claims
Social Security must take your pain into account as long as you've been diagnosed with a physical or mental impairment, including fibromyalgia.
Factors That Can Affect Disability Eligibility
Factors That Can Affect Disability Eligibility
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Your Credibility and Applying for Disability: How Social Security Assesses Your Complaints
Social Security needs to see that your complaints and symptoms are supported by medical records.
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How Not Complying With Treatment Affects Your Disability Case
If you're filing for disability benefits and don't follow your doctor's treatment orders, Social Security can deny your application.
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Multiple Disabilities: Social Security Must Consider Combined Effects
If you have more than one condition on your application for disability benefits, Social Security will take them all into consideration when deciding whether you're disabled.
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How Social Security Evaluates Chronic Pain in Disability Claims
Social Security must take your pain into account as long as you've been diagnosed with a physical or mental impairment, including fibromyalgia.
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Six Reasons Social Security Might Medically Deny Your Disability Claim
Find out why Social Security sent you a medical denial letter for your disability claim.
Forms
Forms
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Residual Functional Capacity Forms: Download an RFC Form
An RFC form completed by your doctor can greatly improve your chances of winning Social Security disability benefits. Download a free RFC form here.
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Mental Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment Form
Here is a mental RFC form for your doctor to fill out (a mental medical source statement).
Getting Disability Benefits for a Listed Impairment
MoreGetting Disability Benefits for a Listed Impairment
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Social Security Blue Book: A Listing of Impairments
Disability examiners use a list of impairments known as the "Blue Book" to determine if an individual will qualify for disability automatically.
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What Does It Mean to Equal Social Security Disability Listing?
When you have a medical condition that doesn't quite meet the criteria in one of Social Security's disability listings, Social Security might agree that your condition is medically equivalent to a disability listing.
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What Medical Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI?
Learn more about which illnesses and diseases are likely to qualify for disability benefits. A medical condition or impairment doesn't need to be listed in Social Security's Blue Book to qualify for disability benefits.
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Functional Equivalence for Children's Disability Applications
If your child has very significant difficulties in important areas of functioning, they could qualify for SSI disability benefits.
How Social Security Decides If You Can Work or Are Disabled
MoreHow Social Security Decides If You Can Work or Are Disabled
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Getting Social Security Disability Based on a Medical-Vocational Allowance
If your disability doesn't meet a listing, Social Security may award you benefits based on your inability to work.
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How Social Security Decides if You Can Do Past or Other Work or Are Disabled
Here's how the Social Security Administration decides that you can't work and should receive disability benefits.
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What Happens If You Are Unable to Work for Medical Reasons?
You may qualify for Social Security disability if you can't work any full-time job on a regular basis.
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What Is Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)?
Your RFC is an assessment of what you are capable of doing and what you are too limited to do.
Specific Occupations - Eligibility for Disability Benefits
MoreSpecific Occupations - Eligibility for Disability Benefits
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Getting Disability as a Nurse Who Can No Longer Work
If you're a nurse or nursing assistant who had to stop working due to illness or injury, you could be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
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Getting Disability as a Fast-Food Worker Who Can No Longer Work
Make sure Social Security knows exactly what your job duties were and why you can't do them anymore.
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Getting Disability as a Janitor or Cleaner Who Can No Longer Work
If you're a janitor or cleaner who can no longer work due to medical issues, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.
