Unable to Work Due to Spina Bifida: Disability Benefits Available

Are you or someone love unable to work due to spina bifida? Disability benefits available from the Social Security Administration may be able to help you out. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are potential sources of disability benefits that you might be eligible for.  

Who Is Eligible?

Economic related eligibility requirements for SSDI and SSI are different, but if you have spina bifida the common denominator is going to be proving that:

• You do have spina bifida, and which form
• The severity of disease
• The activity or mobility limitations you suffer as a result of the spina bifida

• Have you ever worked with this condition, and if so how much money did you earn

Social Security is going to analyze your medical records and condition to determine if you are unable to "ambulate effectively on a sustained basis for any reason, including pain associated with" your diagnosis of spina bifida.  As with all diseases and conditions that are evaluated by Social Security, your condition has to meet the criteria of lasting at least 12 months, and you are evaluated strictly from a physical standpoint. Any coincidental mental impairment that may exist is evaluated separately.

Spina bifida and disability benefits

Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that is present from birth, so chances are that if you do have spina bifida - depending on the type and severity - you may already have been declared disabled as a child and received benefits then from either SSDI or SSI. In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits you (or a parent if you are either a minor or an adult under the age of 22) must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a predetermined amount of time based on your age.

SSI benefits are available to children, the elderly and those who are disabled and also meet low income requirements.  If you are able to work, and can earn $1,000 or more in a month you may not be considered fully disabled by Social Security.

Get a Disability Attorney

Working with clients to secure their rightful disability benefits is a specialized field, and you should be careful to seek out an attorney who can guide you through the complex and often lengthy process of applying for and receiving benefits. Your attorney can evaluate your case and give you an estimate of the response you can expect from Social Security, they can assist with the application process, and making sure your medical history is complete. They can even help you prepare for any hearings that might be necessary.  Qualifying for disability benefits is too important for your future to to risk not having an experienced attorney on your side.