Are Your Disabilities Covered by Social Security Benefits?

If you are injured or sick and are now unable to continue working, a Franklin NC Social Security disability attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for Social Security benefits.

How Does an Individual Qualify?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a government program. Because of this, there are a number of rules and regulations you must qualify for in order to receive benefits. To receive Social Security benefits, a Franklin NC SSD lawyer advises that the following three statements must be true:

• You must have a mental or physical impairment
• Your impairment prevents you from doing substantial gainful work
• Your disability must have lasted for at least 12 months, have already lasted for 12 months, or is expected to result in death

These terms can be interpreted differently on a case-by-case basis.

How is Disability Determined?

To determine if you are disabled, the SSA asks the following five questions:

1. Are you Working?
If you are currently working, and you earn on average more than $1,090 each month, a Franklin NC SSD lawyer advises that you will likely not be considered disabled.

2. How severe is your condition?
If your condition does not significantly interfere with your regular work-related activities and only has a minimal affect, the SSA will consider you not disabled.

3. Can your disability be found on the list of disabling conditions?
The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions (www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm). These conditions are considered severe. If your condition is on the list, then you will automatically be considered disabled.

4. Can you do the work you did previously?
If your condition is not on the SSA’s list, but is still severe, then a Franklin NC Social Security disability attorney will help you determine if you are physically unable do to the work you did previously. If you are not able to work, the SSA may find you disabled.

5. Can you do any other kind of work?
If you are unable to do any work you could do in the past, then the SSA will evaluate you and see if you can do a less physically or mentally demanding job. To determine this, the SSA will consider the following:

• Your age
• Your medical conditions
• Your education level
• Your past work experience
• Your transferable skills

If the SSA feels you cannot adjust to another job because of these factors, you may be considered disabled by the SSA.

Get Further Help from an Attorney

Proving that your disability qualifies you for benefits can be a difficult process, but it is much easier with the help of a Franklin NC Social Security disability attorney. For more information and assistance on finding out if you or someone you know is eligible for benefits, contact Attorney Russell Bowling at (828) 524-5070.