March is Disability Awareness Month. If you suffer from a disability, you may qualify for social security disability benefits. If you are unable to work for at least 12 months due to your disability and you have the medical evidence to prove it this will help determine your eligibility for disability benefits. As soon as you have been approved it will help to relieve the financial hardship you are suffering as a result of your disability.

What is Disability Awareness Month?

Disability awareness month focuses on developmental disabilities and it gives communities the opportunity to celebrate the inclusion of those with developmental disabilities in social and civic life to create diverse and strong communities. Developmental disabilities are disabilities that emerge from birth to the first few years of development which could have an impact on day-to-day functioning, and which are likely to last a lifetime. Most people diagnosed with a development disability may not be able to work for the rest of their life.

Some of the commonest developmental disabilities are:

• autism spectrum disorder;
• cerebral palsy;
• down syndrome;
• vision loss;
• hearing loss;
• learning disorders;
• ADHD.

What are Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Benefits are paid to you if you have paid for Social Security Disability Insurance for long enough while you were working and were diagnosed with a disability which stopped you from working. If you haven’t worked long enough to qualify for SSDI you may be able to access financial help through Supplemental Security Income (SSSI) which pays benefits to those who haven’t paid SSDI and have no assets or savings to support themselves.

What Can You Use SSD For?

There aren’t any restrictions on how you spend SSD benefits but when it comes to basic needs there are certain outgoings that will need to be paid:

• utility, electricity and water bills;
• mortgage or rent;
• food;
• daily living costs such as car expenses.

How Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?

You may qualify for social security disability benefits if you are out of work for 12 months due to a disabling medical condition that stops you from working. Also, your medical condition needs to be included in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book and you must follow any treatment programs provided by your doctor. Sometimes it makes it easier to qualify for disability benefits if your physician conducts a residual functional capacity assessment (RFC) which tests your ability to take part in physical, mental and social activities. If the assessment shows you are unable to work in any type of job you should qualify for SSD benefits.

Speak With a Disability Lawyer

Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent social security attorney who subscribes to the website and may be able to help with your claim.