Qualifying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration
The basic issue that is most important to our disabled Georgia clients is whether their disability will qualify them for Social Security disability benefits. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to answer this because we simply have to go through the application process to see what happens. It is not always possible to predict with 100% accuracy what the Social Security Administration will say.
The Social Security Administration defines “disabled” differently than some other programs
One of the first things to understand in predicting whether or not your disability will qualify you for Social Security disability benefits is that the Social Security Administration defines “disability” differently than some other programs.
The Veterans Administration has a very liberal definition of disability. The Social Security Administration has a strict definition of disability. Different state workers compensation programs have different definitions. And insurance companies use still different definitions of disability.
That means that you cannot assume that just because you qualify as disabled for workers compensation or for the Veterans Administration that you will also qualify as disabled under the rules of the Social Security Administration.
The Social Security definition of “disability” for purposes of disability benefits
Unlike the definitions in some other programs, the Social Security Administration definition of “disability” for purposes of qualifying for disability benefits is based on whether or not you can work.
More specifically, to be considered disabled for purposes of Social Security disability benefits you are required to meet all three of the following criteria:
- You are unable to perform the work that you did before you became disabled.
- Your disability also makes you unable to do other work.
- You have had your disability for at least one year (or it is expected to last for at least a year, or it is expected to result in your death).
Have an Atlanta Social Security Disability Attorney help with your disability claim
Working with the Social Security Administration rules is difficult and requires experience.
If you are not already represented by a Georgia Social Security disability lawyer, consider asking for our evaluation of your claim. Give us a brief description of your claim using the form to the right, or you may e-mail or call our office.
Atlanta Disability Attorneys
Georgia Social Security Disability Lawyers
