SettlementBoard.com News, Articles and Information for Legal Junkies

16Aug/100

Disabilities Covered by SSD

Social Security Disability is a social program that pays monthly benefits to people who become unable to work due to medical issues, provided the disabled worker has worked and paid Social Security taxes for a long enough time to qualify.  The key element of this program is that it is related to work.  Workers in Texas and across the country earn coverage for themselves and family members by paying Social Security tax for a long enough period of time.

SSDI covers a wide swath of workers who are disabled, as well as disabled widows/widowers, and disabled adult children of workers.  Disability attorneys can explain the program in detail to you.

Under the program, benefits are provided exclusively for severely injured workers who are unable to perform any gainful work for at least 12 months and for those with a terminal illness or disability that is likely to be permanent or prove fatal.   Physical and mental disabilities may be eligible.

Covered disability defined

A covered disability is defined as one that renders a party unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to certain medically determinable physical or mental impairments that can be expected to result in death, or that have lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.  To collect Social Security disability benefits if you are based in Houston, elsewhere in Texas or living out of state, you must meet certain requirements.

A Listing of Impairments is used to evaluate claims for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability insurance program.  The Listing of Impairments describes impairments considered severe enough to prevent an individual from engaging in any gainful activity.  Most of the listed impairments are permanent or are expected to result in death. For all other listings, the evidence must show that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.  One of our Houston, Texas disability lawyers can explain all aspects of types of illnesses that may be eligible for benefits.

Physical disabilities

Benefits may be available for physical disabilities including, but not limited to the following:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Herniated disks, and other lumbar and cervical (back and neck) problems
  • Arthritis
  • Heart problems
  • Spinal disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Sleep apnea
  • AIDS
  • Cancer
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis and other liver conditions
  • Brain injuries
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Lupus
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Repetitive stress disabilities
  • Hearing loss

Mental disabilities

Mental and psychiatric disabilities that may be covered include but are not limited to the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Agoraphobia
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Mental retardation

A skilled Houston disability lawyer knows how to evaluate your case and develop a strategy for obtaining the benefits you and your family deserve.

This article was provided by the Abbott Law Office. Contact them at 888-350-2076 today or stop by the main office at 600 S Tyler St, Amarillo, TX 79101 to speak to a Houston disability attorney.

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

No comments yet.


Leave a comment

(required)

No trackbacks yet.