Applying SSI's Definition of Disabled

If you are injured or disabled, you may need help applying SSI's definition of disabled. In the United States, workers who are disabled are often eligible for benefits over time to help them while they cannot work. Most of these benefits are offered through social security disabiity, however, supplemental security income, or SSI, may also be available. To qualify, however, the Social Security definition of disability is actually quite rigid.  Read on to see if the definition of disabled applies to you.

What is the Definition?

As it stands, there is no universal definition for disability that all scientists, legal professionals, therapists, and medical professionals can agree upon.  This complicates the matter of deciding who in fact has a disability and who does not.  There has been a lot of research done in recent years to revamp the definition.

Applying SSI's Definition of Disabled

There are two important facets that are currently part of the official definition of disability as established by the United States government's Social Security program.  First, you need to have a mental or physical condition that is rated as severe. This must be an impairment which is medically determinable.  If you do not have a severe mental or physical condition, your claim will be addressed by Social Security as an NSI, which stands for non-severe impairment, which offers different benefits and help than what is actually defined as a disability.

Duration of Disability

If you meet the first qualification of having a severe mental or physical condition, you should determine whether you meet the second part of the official definition of having a disability.  It is imperative according to Social Security that your condition meets a minimum durational length.  In this case, your disability must disable you for a period of twelve months or more.  In the case that your disability has not lasted a year, you should get tested to determine a projection of your disability.  If it is found that your condition will last at least twelve months from when it first began, then you will meet the criteria.  If not, then your claim for disability benefits will be denied.

Getting More Information

Although there has not been a lot of change in the definition since 1950, when it was established, there has certainly been a lot of discussion of how the definition could change in the future.  To make sure you are up to date on the definition, consider checking in with a free appointment (known by the legal term “pro-bono”) with a Social Security counselor.  You can use the official Social Security website, found online at www.socialsecurity.gov, to learn more about the program, to find a counselor to help you through the process, and to check on the specifics about if you qualify for disability benefits.

Getting Help

An experienced social security disability attorney can also provide you with the help you need in applying SSI's definition of disabled. A social security disability attorney can also help you complete your application and gather evidence to prove the severity of your impairment.