How does Social Security define “disability”?
In West Virginia, Social Security defines “disability” as the inability to perform substantial work because of a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. To qualify for benefits, an applicant must have a disabling condition and meet other requirements including duration of work and recent work. A physical or mental impairment is defined as any impairment of physical or mental functioning or anatomical structure. This includes physical impairments such as loss of a limb, paralysis, blindness, or deafness, as well as mental impairments like learning disabilities, anxiety, or depression. In addition, the impairment must be severe enough to prevent the applicant from working. To be considered for disability benefits, an individual must not be able to do any type of work he or she has done in the past and must be unable to adjust to other types of work. The duration of work requirement means the individual must have worked consistently and long enough to qualify for benefits, as the individual’s work must have been recent enough and for long enough that they qualify for benefits from Social Security. Generally, individuals must have worked for at least 5 out of the last 10 years, with some exceptions. A qualified Social Security Administration (SSA) analyst reviews each case and makes a determination based on the evidence provided. The applicant must meet all of the necessary legal requirements to be found disabled under Social Security’s definition.
Related FAQs
How do I apply for Social Security Disability?What is a consultative exam?
How does work affect my Social Security Disability benefits?
How does Social Security calculate the amount of my benefits?
What happens if I don’t inform Social Security of a change in my address?
What is a medical review of my Social Security Disability claim?
What can I do if I disagree with the results of a Social Security disability or SSI review?
What is the deadline for filing an appeal for Social Security Disability?
How often do I need to report my medical condition to Social Security?
What is an impairment listing and how does it affect my Social Security Disability case?
Related Blog Posts
What to Know Before Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits - July 31, 2023The 5 Most Common Reasons Applications for Social Security Disability Are Denied - August 7, 2023
What Are the Requirements for Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits? - August 14, 2023
Understanding the Process Behind Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits - August 21, 2023
Navigating the Appeals Process for Social Security Disability Benefits - August 28, 2023