How Disabled Do You Have To Be To Collect Social Security Disability or SSI?SGA is a monthly earnings amount that Social Security considers self-supporting and if an individual is earning over the SGA monthly amount their disability claim will be denied prior to being sent for a medical decision. Each year, Social Security determines what the monthly SGA amount will be, so if an individual is planning on filing for disability and they are working they should check with Social Security to determine if their earnings are too high. Social Security differentiates their disability program from other disability programs such as VA disability, short term, or even long term disability in that it does not consider partial disability (as in VA disability) or being disabled from a certain job (as in long or short disability) as being disabled for Social Security purposes. Individuals who apply for disability with Social Security must go through a five-step sequential evaluation process that determines: A) If an individual is performing SGA level work activity; B) If they have a medically determinable mental or medical condition; C) What the severity of their condition is; D) If this condition prevents the individual from working at any of their relevant past work or doing any other type of work as it is performed in the general economy considering the limitations of their disabling condition or conditions. Note: for past work to be considered by social security to be "relevant" and possibly a job that a person can return to, it must have been done sometime in the last 15 years for three months or longer while earning at least the SGA earnings amount. Essentially, to be considered disabled by the social security administration, an individual must have a condition that is severe enough that they cannot work for twelve months or longer (at one of their former jobs, or doing any kind of other work that their skills and education might suit them for) while earning at least the SGA earnings amount. 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: Is it hard to get disability in NC? 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? Qualifying for disability in California How do I apply for disability in Benefits in California Applying for Disability in California If I apply for disability and my doctor says I am disabled, is there a waiting period? |
