Does Social Security Cover Partial or Temporary Disabilities?

 Posted on May 29, 2023 in Uncategorized

There are many different types of disabilities, and they can range from minor inconveniences to huge setbacks that affect nearly every aspect of a person's life. For those with significant disabilities, Social Security disability benefits can provide essential assistance in the form of monthly payments that may be used to cover the necessities of life. Those who are disabled may believe that these benefits are necessary, but they may also be concerned about whether their disabilities are severe enough or will last long enough to qualify for Social Security benefits. By understanding the definitions Social Security uses regarding the severity of disabilities and the ways a person may be affected, people with partial or temporary disabilities can determine whether they qualify for assistance.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security has specified that it only provides benefits for people with total disabilities rather than partial disabilities or conditions that will only affect someone for a short period of time. A condition may be considered a disability if it prevents a person from being able to earn enough to address their minimum needs. While a person who is currently working may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, they must be earning less than an amount known as substantial gainful activity (SGA).

The SGA figures are adjusted each year based on inflation and changes in the cost of living. In 2023, SGA is $1,470 per month for most people. For those who are legally blind, SGA is $2,460. If a person's average monthly earnings are below the applicable SGA limit, they may still qualify for disability benefits.

However, earnings are not the only indicator of whether a person is disabled, and Social Security will evaluate a person's medical condition and determine whether they should be able to earn an income above the SGA limit. There are certain conditions, known as "listed impairments," that will automatically qualify for disability benefits. If a person's condition is not included in Social Security's listings, they will need to demonstrate that their disabilities have prevented them from working in jobs they have held previously and that they do not have the capability to work in other jobs that should be available to them.

The amount of time a disability will affect someone will also be a factor considered by Social Security. Temporary disabilities are generally not covered, and a condition must usually affect someone for at least one year. That is, if a person has had a condition that prevented them from working for one year or more, if they have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition that is expected to affect them for at least one year, or if their condition is terminal and is expected to result in their death, they may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

It is also important to understand that if a person's condition improves while they are receiving disability benefits, they have options for transitioning back to work. Under Social Security's Ticket to Work program, a person can continue receiving disability benefits for nine months after they begin working, giving them time to determine whether working a full-time job will be possible. If necessary, they may stop working and continue receiving benefits. If they stop receiving benefits after nine months and experience a worsening of their condition that prevents them from working, they may qualify for expedited reinstatement of their disability benefits.

Contact Our Collin County Social Security Disability Attorneys

Serious medical or mental health conditions can be challenging for anyone to navigate. Fortunately, those who have conditions that qualify as disabilities may be able to receive assistance. Determining whether a condition is serious enough or will last long enough to be considered a disability is not always easy, and in many cases, applications for Social Security disability benefits are denied. If you are looking to apply for disability benefits or if you need to respond to the denial of a claim, the Plano Social Security disability benefits lawyers at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can assist you. Contact us at 972-671-9922 to schedule a free case evaluation and get help with your case.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html

https://choosework.ssa.gov/library/your-path-to-work/ticket-to-work.html