If you're struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you may be wondering if you qualify for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a list of conditions that automatically qualify you for disability. These conditions are severe enough that the SSA considers them to be totally disabling.
The SSA's list of disabling conditions is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A conditions are the most severe and typically result in death or a very short life expectancy. Part B conditions are less severe, but they can still make it impossible for you to work.
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must meet certain medical and non-medical requirements. The medical requirements are based on the SSA's list of disabling conditions. The non-medical requirements include your age, work history, and income.
What Conditions Automatically Qualify You for Disability
SSA's List of Disabling Conditions
- Terminal illnesses
- Blindness or low vision
- Paralysis or amputation
- Intellectual disability
- Severe mental illness
- Organ failure
- Certain cancers
- HIV/AIDS
These are just some of the conditions that may automatically qualify you for disability benefits. If you think you may be eligible, you should contact the SSA to apply.
Terminal Illnesses
Terminal illnesses are conditions that are expected to result in death within a relatively short period of time, usually within a few months or years.
- Cancer: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Some types of cancer, such as lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, are particularly aggressive and have a poor prognosis.
- Heart disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Conditions such as heart failure and coronary artery disease can be debilitating and eventually fatal.
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Strokes can cause permanent brain damage and disability, and they can be fatal.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD can lead to respiratory failure and death.
These are just a few examples of terminal illnesses that may automatically qualify you for disability benefits. If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you should contact the SSA to apply for benefits.
Blindness or Low Vision
Blindness or low vision is a condition that affects your ability to see. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including eye diseases, injuries, and birth defects.
- Total blindness: Total blindness means that you cannot see anything at all.
- Legal blindness: Legal blindness means that your vision is so poor that you cannot perform everyday activities, such as reading, driving, or working.
- Low vision: Low vision means that you have some vision, but it is not good enough to perform everyday activities without difficulty.
- Tunnel vision: Tunnel vision means that you can only see a small area in front of you.
If you have blindness or low vision, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the severity of your condition and your ability to work when making a decision about your claim.
Paralysis or Amputation
Paralysis is a condition in which you lose the ability to move a part of your body. Amputation is the surgical removal of a body part, such as an arm or a leg.
Paralysis and amputation can be caused by a variety of factors, including stroke, spinal cord injury, accidents, and diseases. The severity of your condition will depend on the cause and extent of your paralysis or amputation.
If you have paralysis or amputation, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the following factors when making a decision about your claim:
- The severity of your condition
- Your ability to work
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work experience
If you are unable to work because of your paralysis or amputation, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If you are not eligible for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who have limited income and resources.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, and it can range from mild to severe.
People with intellectual disability may have difficulty with:
- Learning
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Social skills
- Self-care
The severity of intellectual disability can vary widely. People with mild intellectual disability may be able to live independently and work in supported employment settings. People with severe intellectual disability may require lifelong care and assistance.
If you have intellectual disability, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the following factors when making a decision about your claim:
- The severity of your condition
- Your ability to work
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work experience
If you are unable to work because of your intellectual disability, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If you are not eligible for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who have limited income and resources.
Severe Mental Illness
Severe mental illness is a mental disorder that significantly impairs your ability to function in everyday life. It can affect your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.
- Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme swings in mood, from mania to depression. People with bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania or hypomania, during which they may feel euphoric, energetic, and impulsive. They may also experience episodes of depression, during which they may feel sad, hopeless, and worthless.
- Major depression: Major depression is a mental illness that causes persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. People with major depression may also experience fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental illness that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, or sexual assault. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
If you have a severe mental illness, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the following factors when making a decision about your claim:
- The severity of your condition
- Your ability to work
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work experience
If you are unable to work because of your severe mental illness, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If you are not eligible for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who have limited income and resources.
Organ Failure
Organ failure is a condition in which an organ is no longer able to function properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including disease, injury, and congenital defects.
- Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the feet and ankles.
- Kidney failure: Kidney failure is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the blood, which can cause a variety of health problems.
- Liver failure: Liver failure is a condition in which the liver is unable to perform its normal functions, such as filtering toxins from the blood and producing bile. This can lead to jaundice, swelling in the abdomen, and confusion.
- Lung failure: Lung failure is a condition in which the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the blood. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin).
If you have organ failure, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the following factors when making a decision about your claim:
- The severity of your condition
- Your ability to work
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work experience
If you are unable to work because of your organ failure, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If you are not eligible for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who have limited income and resources.
Certain Cancers
Some types of cancer are so aggressive and debilitating that they automatically qualify you for disability benefits. These cancers include:
- Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It can cause fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding problems.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It can cause swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Metastatic cancer: Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. It can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the metastasis.
- Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer is a cancer of the pancreas. It can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.
- Lung cancer: Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs. It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
If you have been diagnosed with one of these types of cancer, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the following factors when making a decision about your claim:
- The stage of your cancer
- The type of treatment you are receiving
- Your prognosis
- Your ability to work
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work experience
If you are unable to work because of your cancer, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If you are not eligible for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who have limited income and resources.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and certain types of cancer.
- Advanced HIV infection: Advanced HIV infection is defined as having a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3 or an AIDS-defining illness.
- AIDS-defining illnesses: AIDS-defining illnesses are a group of opportunistic infections and cancers that are associated with advanced HIV infection. These illnesses include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), Kaposi's sarcoma, and wasting syndrome.
- HIV-related dementia: HIV-related dementia is a condition that affects the brain and nervous system. It can cause problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making.
- HIV-related neuropathy: HIV-related neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.
If you have HIV/AIDS, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA will consider the following factors when making a decision about your claim:
- The stage of your HIV infection
- The type of treatment you are receiving
- Your prognosis
- Your ability to work
- Your age
- Your education
- Your work experience
If you are unable to work because of your HIV/AIDS, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI benefits are paid to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
If you are not eligible for SSDI benefits, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI benefits are paid to people who have limited income and resources.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about what conditions automatically qualify you for disability:
Question 1: What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
Answer 1: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a program that provides benefits to people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a program that provides benefits to people who have limited income and resources.
Question 2: How do I apply for disability benefits?
Answer 2: You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide documentation of your medical condition and your work history.
Question 3: How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits?
Answer 3: The approval process for disability benefits can take several months. The SSA will need to review your medical records and your work history before making a decision.
Question 4: What if I am denied disability benefits?
Answer 4: If you are denied disability benefits, you can appeal the decision. You will need to file an appeal within 60 days of the date you received the denial letter.
Question 5: How much will I receive in disability benefits?
Answer 5: The amount of disability benefits you receive will depend on your work history and your average earnings. The maximum monthly benefit amount for SSDI is $3,345.
Question 6: Can I work while receiving disability benefits?
Answer 6: Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. However, there are limits on how much you can earn. If you earn too much, your benefits may be reduced or stopped.
Question 7: What if my condition improves?
Answer 7: If your condition improves, you may be required to stop receiving disability benefits. The SSA will review your case periodically to determine if you are still eligible for benefits.
Closing Paragraph: If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA has a list of conditions that automatically qualify you for disability. You can apply for disability benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
In addition to the information provided in this FAQ, here are some tips for applying for disability benefits:
Tips
Here are some tips for applying for disability benefits:
Tip 1: Gather your medical records. You will need to provide the SSA with documentation of your medical condition. This includes medical records, test results, and doctor's notes.
Tip 2: Get a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. An RFC assessment is a report that describes your ability to work. It is completed by a doctor or other health care provider.
Tip 3: Be prepared to wait. The approval process for disability benefits can take several months. Be patient and persistent. Do not give up if you are denied benefits the first time.
Tip 4: Get help from an advocate. If you are having trouble applying for disability benefits, you can get help from an advocate. Advocates can help you gather the necessary paperwork and represent you at your hearing.
Closing Paragraph: Applying for disability benefits can be a complex and challenging process. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.
Now that you know what conditions automatically qualify you for disability, and you have some tips for applying for benefits, you can take the next steps to get the help you need.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
- The SSA has a list of conditions that automatically qualify you for disability benefits.
- These conditions are severe enough that the SSA considers them to be totally disabling.
- To be eligible for disability benefits, you must meet certain medical and non-medical requirements.
- The medical requirements are based on the SSA's list of disabling conditions.
- The non-medical requirements include your age, work history, and income.
Closing Message:
If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits. The SSA encourages you to apply for benefits if you think you may qualify. The application process can be complex, but there are resources available to help you. You can get help from an advocate or from the SSA itself.
Don't give up if you are denied benefits the first time. You can appeal the decision. With persistence, you can get the benefits you deserve.