ARE YOU DISABLED?

I am addressing the meaning of "Disabled" according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Different organizations have different definitions of "disability." The Social Security Administration is unique in that their definition is the most narrow and the hardest to prove.

Basically, according to the SSA, you are only disabled if you cannot perform any kind of work you have done before (in the past 15 years) and can’t reasonably be expected to adjust to any other work which is available in the national economy. It's the "any other work" part that defeats many claims.

Generally, an individual age 55 or over is considered disabled if he/she cannot perform any of the types of work performed during the past 15 year period. Older individuals are not expected to adapt or adjust to new types of work that they have never done before.

For younger individuals (below age 50), a person will not be disabled unless he/she is physically or mentally unable to perform any past work AND is unable to perform any other work which exists in the national economy.

Individuals under age 50 are rarely found to be disabled by Social Security unless they have a very severe condition which renders them unable to perform even sedentary, unskilled jobs. Many of these jobs, unfortunately, are performed at minimum wage. So, a 30 year-old has a tougher standard than a 55 year-old.

An attorney or disability advocate may be able to give you some idea of how difficult it will be to get Social Security disability benefits. Nobody can predict with absolute certainty what Social Security will decide; however, there are clear indicators whether you have a "good case" or a very difficult case. Some of the factors I take into account would be:

1. Age

2. Education

3. Past Work Experience

4. Residual Functional Capacity (How restricted you are in doing certain types of work)

5. How much medical evidence is available--and the quality of that evidence