If Am Medically Disabled, Can Social Security Still Turn Me Down for Disability for Some Reason?The answer to this question is maybe yes, maybe no. It really depends upon which disability program an individual is eligible for. Social Security manages two disability programs: SGA or substantial gainful activity is just a monthly earnings amount--or a monthly amount of hours worked if the individual is self employed--that Social Security has determined to be self-supporting. Naturally, work activity is carefully considered. Part of the definition of disability for Social Security purposes is an inability to perform SGA for twelve continuous months or the expectation of an inability to perform SGA for twelve continuous months due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. Even if an individual is found medically disabled, they are not considered disabled by Social Security unless they are unable to perform SGA as well. Supplemental Security Income disability is based upon need rather than insured status. Therefore, this need-based disability program, like many other social need programs, has limits upon income and resources. If an individual is medically disabled, but they have too many resources, or too much income, they will be denied for the SSI disability benefits. Unfortunately, there are SSI applicants who are found medically disabled, only to be denied disability benefits at an "end line interview" because their income or resources have increased while the disability determination was being made. To summarize, work activity is the only thing that can affect the eligibility of an individual for both Social Security Disability and SSI disability applicants who have gone through the disability evaluation process and been approved for disability. SSI beneficiaries can be turned down for disability benefits--even if they have been approved--if they do not meet the SSI program income and resource limits. And the income does not have to just come from work activity. By contrast, only work activity income affects a Social Security Disability beneficiary's eligibility once they have been medically approved for disability benefits. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How much can a spouse and child draw from husband's or wife's SSDI? Do I have to report earnings to Social Security if I collect disability? Can a person with a felony collect Social Security Disability? If Am Medically Disabled, Can Social Security Still Turn Me Down for Disability for Some Reason? How will Social Security find you disabled? When is a Person Considered Fully Disabled by Social Security? Being Determined Medically Disabled for Social Security Disability How Does Social Security Decide If You Are Disabled Or Not? What makes you disabled for SSD, Social Security Disability Benefits, OR SSI? How Disabled Must You be to get Social Security Disability Approved? How Disabled Do You Have To Be To Collect Social Security Disability or SSI? If I apply for disability and my doctor says I am disabled, is there a waiting period to receive benefits? How do I file for my children and spouse if I get SSDI? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Connecticut If you apply for disability in Connecticut |
