According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide live with some kind of disability. If you are one of them, you may be wondering if your condition qualifies you for disability benefits.
If you are considering applying for benefits or want to know more about which conditions qualify for disability, keep reading to learn more about what qualifies for disability and how you can benefit if you are eligible.
What Qualifies for Disability?
Each state determines disability using the Blue Book, which is more accurately known as Disability Evaluation Under Social Security. This book contains all of the conditions that qualify you for disability.
It contains two sections, one for adults and one for children. The section for adults includes illnesses that fall into 14 categories:
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Cancer
- Respiratory illnesses
- Endocrine disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system
- Chronic kidney disease
- Blood disorders
- Cognitive and mental health conditions
- Skin disorders
- Conditions affecting the digestive system
- Special senses and speech conditions
- Immune system diseases
- Cardiovascular illnesses
You can qualify for disability if you have a condition not listed in the Blue Book. However, you will have to make the argument that your condition impacts your life similarly to those listed in the book.
In more general terms, a disability is a mental or physical illness that severely impacts your life. It is a condition that hinders your ability to perform necessary daily activities, and it may prevent you from working or from taking care of yourself without assistance.
Common Disability Conditions
One of the most common is arthritis which can affect your ability to walk or do manual tasks like type or tie your shoes.
Heart and respiratory conditions that could lead to death are also high on the list. Mental illnesses also make up around 20% of the disability cases granted, given that they reach a truly debilitating condition.
Cancer, nervous system disorders and immune system disorders also belong in the top ten conditions that qualify for disability. Diabetes is also in the top ten if you are either too overweight to walk on your own or have full or partial blindness caused by diabetes.
Applying for Disability
If you think you fit the disability criteria described above, you may be considering applying for benefits. There are a few conditions that are automatically approved, but for most, you will need to submit tests from your doctor along with other paperwork. Keep in mind that you might qualify for different types of benefits based on your condition.
You can also check out Cannon Disability Law’s website for disability information. They are located in California and can help you with every step of the process of applying for benefits, including preparing all of the necessary materials and submitting the application.
Next Steps to Getting the Benefits You Deserve
Now that you know more about what qualifies for disability and how to apply for benefits, you may want to start the process with the SSA. If you have a condition that is affecting your everyday life, this may be the best next step for you.
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