If you’re not sure if your condition is a disability that would qualify for Social Security disability benefits you should know that the Social Security Administration recognizes more than 200 medical conditions as disabilities. Here’s how the Social Security Administration classifies disabilities:

What Does the SSA Consider A “Severe” Condition?

In order to be approved for disability benefits or to be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration you must have a severe condition that makes it impossible for you to work. According to the SSA you must be totally disabled and not capable of working at all in order to receive benefits. You must meet all three of these conditions before you can be considered disabled by the Social Security Administration:

• You cannot do work and engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your medical condition.
• You cannot do work you did previously or adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
• Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or to result in death.

The Social Security Administration doesn’t approve anyone for disability benefits with a partial disability. Only people who have severe medical conditions can be considered disabled by the SSA’s criteria.

Is Your Condition Found In the Blue Book?

The Social Security Administration has a book where they list all of the physical and mental health conditions that are recognized as disabling conditions. It’s call the Blue Book. Every listing in the Blue Book contains a special set of requirements that you have to meet in order to show that your condition is disabling. You can search through the Blue Book on the SSA’s website to see if your condition is listed in the book.

If the medical condition that you have isn’t in the Blue Book you can still qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you submit an RFC with your application and your medical records. An RFC is a form that your doctor must fill out that describes your condition and your symptoms in detail and also explains why your symptoms make it impossible for you to work.

How To Apply For Disability

If you believe that your condition is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration you can apply for Social Security benefits. If you have worked in the past but you can’t work now and you expect that you won’t be able to work for at least a year you can apply for disability benefits. But if you have never worked because you have always had a disabling medical condition you can apply for SSI. You can apply for Social Security benefits online at the SSA’s website, on the phone, or in person at a local SSA office.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form to get connected with an independent attorney who subscribes to this website and may be able to help you with a claim for Social Security benefits.