How the SSA Determines Disability in Texas

Posted by Chell in Social Security

The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to decide whether a person is disabled. Someone is only considered disabled if their injuries or illness prevent them from doing their past work or adjusting to new work.

The five-step process that the SSA uses as a general guideline. The steps include determining:

• If the individual is currently working
• If the individual’s medical condition is severe
• If the condition is on the list of recognized disabilities
• If the individual can perform the work they once did
• If the individual can perform any type of work

If you were working the year you are applying for benefits, and your earnings average more than $1,040 per month, then you typically cannot be considered disabled. A condition is considered severe if it interferes with basic work-related activities. The SSA maintains a list of conditions that are severe enough to mean that you are disabled. If the list does not contain your condition, then the SSA has to decide if it is of equal severity. To determine if you can perform the work you once did in Texas, the SSA will need to know things such as the tasks you performed, skills and equipment required, amount of hours worked, and payment. If your condition does not interfere with these things, then your claim will be denied. Lastly, if you can’t do your previous work, then it will be decided if you can adjust to another type of work. If it is found that you cannot adjust to new work, then your claim will typically be approved.

This process serves to evaluate an applicant’s medical condition in order to best determine whether or not they are eligible to receive disability benefits. If you or someone you love has a disability that prevents you from working, then a disability lawyer may be able to help you determine your rights and options.