How Is Disability Defined by Social Security?
Social Security uses a very strict definition of disability. You must meet all of these conditions:
- You can’t earn over a certain amount of money from work. In 2018, that amount was an average of $1,180 per month. (However, you can have an income higher than that if it’s from non-work income). If your work earnings are over the limit, Social Security considers you able to work and therefore not disabled.
- Your disability must have significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related functions, such as standing, sitting, walking, and being able to remember.
- These limits must be expected to last for at least a year.
- Social Security has a list of medical conditions that it considers serious enough to be qualifying disabilities. Your condition must either be on the list or be as serious, in Social Security’s evaluation, as the conditions on the list.
- You must not be able to do any type of work that you have done in the past.
- You must also not be able to do any other type of work despite your disability. Social Security takes into account your age, work experience, skills, and education in making this evaluation.
My experience with the firm of Terry Katz and Associates proved to be a very rewarding experience. My specific case was for the receipt of SSI benefits. After having been denied my initial request for SS benefits, I contacted the firm of Terry Katz and Associates in the hopes of reinforcing my appeal.
The associate with whom I worked, Ms. Langdale, was truly exceptional, providing me not only with invaluable guidance, but personable and compassionate care along the way. She is a wonderful person. In the end, my appeal was successful and I am now receiving benefits.
I am so grateful to the Katz firm, for the exceptional assistance I received, not only from Ms. Langdale, but from all the associates involved at the firm. I highly recommend retaining their services for anyone seeking to strengthen their SSI case. Thank you again, Terry Katz & Associates!
