How does the SSA decide if a person is disabled?

Disabled people who decide to file for their benefits should know how the Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine if they are eligible to receive disability payments. The decision process is strict and usually based on the following applicant information gathered from medical professionals.

  • When did the patient start to suffer from a disabling condition?
  • What are the serious illnesses or disabilities of the patient?
  • Is the patient’s lifestyle negatively affected by their disability?
  • What are the treatment or medical procedures the patient has undergone to address their disability?
  • What are the test results of the patient regarding their disability?

The SSA may also ask doctors about basic information regarding the SSDI applicants to determine if they can still do any work that could earn them income. The SSA may also request other supporting documents to fully determine if an applicant is indeed disabled.

If you can no longer work due to your disability, enlisting an attorney’s help is critical, especially because the SSA is strict about screening SSDI applicants. Speak with an attorney at the Hankey Law Office in Indiana today by calling (800) 520-3633 to find out how we may work on your behalf.