DO SOME CONDITIONS AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Are some medical conditions so severe that they automatically qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?

The answer is yes. There is a list of illnesses and symptoms that are of such severity that Social Security systematically approves them for disability benefits. These are called the "Listing Level" impairments, or some may say "Blue Book impairments." Here is the link to the list:

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm

Important: It isn't enough just to be diagnosed with one of these conditions. You must meet every part of the Listing criteria, which are very specific.

Also, most people who get disability benefits DO NOT meet a Listing level. The Listings provide a faster way for claimants who do meet all the Listing requirements, which most claimants will not. But the LIstings are NOT the only way to be approved.

Also, Social Security has Compassionate Allowance program that quickly approves claimants for disability benefits.

https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/

To be approved for a Compassionate Allowance, the claimant needs to file an application with Social Security and submit adequate objective medical evidence to prove the diagnosis. Objective evidence includes tests, imaging studies, laboratory results or pathology reports. It speeds up the process if the claimant submits this evidence with the application, rather than waiting on Social Security to obtain the evidence (which may take a while).

What if you don't meet a Listing or a Compassionate Allowance? Most claimants who qualify for disability benefits will not meet either of these requirements. If not, you will need to go through at least 4 of the 5-Step process for approval. Here are the 5 steps in the process (done by Social Security adjudicators or decision makers):

Step 1: You are not presently working at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which in 2022 means gross employment related earnings of at least $1,350 per month.

Step 2: You have a severe medically determinable impairment that has lasted at least 12 consecutive months, is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months OR to end in death.

Step 3: Here it will be determined whether you meet a Listing. We assume here that you do not. (If you did, you would be approved at Step 3).

Step 4: Are you able to perform any of the full-time (SGA) jobs that you have performed during the past 15 year period? If you are, the claim will usually be denied--especially with claimants under the age of 55.

Step 5: Are there other jobs in the national economy that you would be able to perform, based on your Residual Functional Capacity, age, education and work skills, if any? If yes, you will be denied unless you are old enough to meet one of the grid rules (for individuals age 50 or over).

Your attorney or advocate will help you decide the best way to approach your claim to pursue and what evidence will be required for approval.