Disabling Conditions

In their impairment listing manual, the Social Security Administration identifies a condition as being “disabling” if it is severe enough for a person to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits as a result of having that condition. In addition to this, the individual’s condition needs to be severe enough that it can prevent them from “gaining substantial employment.”

It is possible for a person to apply for and receive benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income programs with or without a Compassionate Allowance if they are suffering from one of the listed conditions.

The idea of a disabling condition refers to circumstances in which a person sustains an injury that renders them unable to continue working. It’s not just that you can’t go back to your regular job; for a certain amount of time, you won’t be able to go back to any job at all.

In addition, the disabling condition cannot have been brought on by the employment setting. If a worker is injured on the job, they should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits rather than Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits.

The Social Security Administration has compiled a list of some of the most common conditions that are regarded as being so debilitating that they render a person unable to engage in gainful employment in a document known as the “Blue Book.”

There are 88 conditions listed in the Blue Book that will automatically qualify you for benefits; however, there are certainly other conditions that warrant benefits as well. The most important question to ask yourself is always whether or not you can maintain profitable employment.