What Health Problems Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance?

If you cannot work due to a health problem or disability, you might want to consider applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI provides monthly payments to people that qualify. Recipients also qualify for Medicare after two years, which helps pay for medical care. You can qualify for disability with a wide variety of health problems, including both physical and mental problems. However, you must meet strict criteria in order to qualify.

Physical Problems

A variety of physical problems can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, including heart problems, respiratory problems, problems with the immune system, problems with the nervous system and orthopedic problems. People needing organ transplants often qualify as well.

Mental Problems

A variety of mental problems can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. Many people with mental problems can work, though; your problem must be severe enough to prevent you from functioning in the workplace in order to qualify for disability.

Severity

To qualify for SSDI, your health problem must prevent you from doing any type of work. If you can work, even if only at a different type of job than you used to do and even if it pays much less than you used to earn, you won't qualify. Social Security does not automatically approve anyone for disability based on the type of health problem they have; for instance, you will not get approved automatically just because you have multiple sclerosis or bipolar disorder. The condition must prevent you from holding a job.

Prognosis

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, your health problem must be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security does not offer any short-term disability benefits. You can receive benefits for longer than one year if you continue to qualify but must need assistance for at least one year.

Documentation

To qualify for SSDI, you must provide documentation that proves your health problem prevents you from working. Appropriate documents include medical records and records from schools if you received special education services. You can submit letters from family members or former coworkers. You should submit as much documentation as you can. Social Security may request additional documentation from your health care providers and may also ask you to undergo an examination by another doctor at their expense to learn more about your health problem.

Sources:

Social Security Administration. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. Disability Benefits.

Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10043.html. Medicare.

Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm. Listing of Impairments.