If my mother had a stroke and is unable to work, can she qualify for disability benefits?

If your mother is unable to perform the functions of her job and/or her ability to perform basic functions has been impacted by her stroke, she may be entitled to Social Security disability payments. The first thing you will need to do is contact your local Social Security Administration office to determine what is required to file an application. Generally, you will need to provide information such as your mother’s medical records and employment history. A statement from a doctor detailing the extent of the damage from the stroke is also usually required. Disability applications based on a stoke are not evaluated for at least three months after a stroke, since the full extent of the damage that a stroke causes often is not apparent until a period of time has passed following the stroke. When the application is reviewed, there are two different types of criteria used to determine if a person is disabled. The SSA may grant the disability on the basis of a medical vocation allowance, which essentially means that the skills the person needed to work at their previous job have been affected by the stroke. This is a standard used most commonly for older people, who may not be able to begin a different line of work. The SSA may also approve a claim based on the fact that the impairments caused by the stroke fall within their impairment-listing manual. This means that if your mother demonstrates ineffective speech or communication skills after the stroke or demonstrates physical impairment, she may be entitled to disability benefits. Generally, your best bet is to speak with an experienced disability rights attorney who can help you determine whether your mother meets the standard of disability set forth by the SSA to collect benefits, and who can help you file a claim and prove that she is in fact disabled.