Who is eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI Disability in Texas?Regarding the issue of who is eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI disability, there are two ways to approach the issue. And by that, I mean the medical requirements to become eligible for disability and the non-medical requirements to become eligible for disability. For SSD (Social Security Disability benefits), the non-medical aspect of eligibility revolves around SGA. What is SGA? SGA is substantial gainful activity. It is defined as the amount a person may earn each month while still remaining eligible to either apply for disability benefits, or continue receiving benefits if you have already been approved. For more information on this topic, please visit this page: SGA, substantial gainful activity. For SSI (supplemental security income), the non-medical aspect of eligibility involves SGA as well. However, it also involves resources. For the purposes of the social security administration, "resources" means the same thing as assets. To be eligible to apply for SSI or receive SSI benefits, a person cannot have more than two thousand dollars in countable assets. This would include money in a savings account, cash value in a life insurance policy, excess vehicles (cars other than the one you use for primary transportation), and excess real property (any real property other than the home you live in). The non-medical aspects of a disability case are handled by the social security office in Texas where you initially file for disability. When it comes to the medical aspects of a disability case, however, this part of the process is handled by two different types of decision-makers. At the disability application and request for reconsideration (this is the first appeal) levels, the individual who determines whether or not a person is eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI is a disability examiner. This individual will gather a claimant's medical records, read and review them, and, then, in consultation with medical and mental experts assigned to his or her unit, will render a determination that is either an approval or denial. At the disability hearing level, the individual who determines whether or not a person is eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI is a disability judge. He performs a similar function to a disability examiner, but, unlike a disability examiner, will actually meet the applicant and his attorney. He will typically question the claimant regarding his or her medical history and work history to determine if the claimant has the ability to return to their past work, or the ability to perform some other type of work. To be eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI in Texas, a person must satisfy the definition of disability that is used by the social security administration. And this means that their medical evidence must prove that: 1. They have a condition, physical or mental, that is severe. 2. Their condition must limit their ability to work. 3. Their condition must prevent them from either being able to work at all, or, if they can work, it must limit them to the extent that they cannot earn the SGA amount for that given year. 4. Their disability must already have lasted for one full year, or it must be projected that their disability will eventually last at least one full year. A person who satisfies these conditions will be eligible to receive Social Security Disability or SSI disability benefits. Of course, this definition makes it plain that a claimant must be able to present satisfactory medical record documentation, preferably including detailed statements from one or more treating physicians who can cite the claimant's functional limitations and inability to sustain employment. 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: Physician Support for Your Social Security Disability Case in Texas Why most SS Disability Claims are Denied in Texas Getting seen by a doctor for Social Security Disability in Texas Is it Difficult to Win Social Security Disability in Texas if you have Mental Illness? Social Security Disability in Texas and Physicians What is the Representation Fee for disability claim in Texas? Who is eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI Disability in Texas? The Texas Disability Hearing and Doctor Records Will my doctor help me on my disability case in Texas? How many people win Disability Benefits from Social Security in Texas? What do I Bring to a Social Security Disability Application Interview in Texas? These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits What to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits Applying for disability benefits, SSI and SSDI What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability? How does back pay for Social Security Disability work? Social Security Disability And SSI Qualifications Permanent Disability Qualifications for SSD and SSI Status of your Social Security Disability or SSI case Disability lawyer representation, finding lawyers What is qualifying for disability based on? How to qualify for disability, qualifying for Benefits Qualifications for Disability Benefits How long does it take to get disability after applying? Disability application, how to file in Texas Texas disability requirements Eligibility and qualifying for disability in Texas What are the qualifications for disability in Texas? Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in Texas? Getting a Texas disability lawyer, attorney, or advocate |
