When we think of the word disability it can mean very different things to different people so when a claimant applies for Social Security disability benefits it is important to know exactly what is Social Security’s definition of disability.
Some people attempt to apply for Social Security disability benefits while they are still working. A possible rationale for this choice would be the worker is struggling to maintain full-time employment due to either physical or mental impairments and hopes to continue to work until they are approved for disability benefits, but this method does not work when it comes to Social Security disability benefits. Below is the strict definition of disability according to Social Security.
The Social Security definition is an inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. A worker is engaging in SGA, according to Social Security, if they earn $1,350 or more in monthly gross income from work related activities.
A person who attempts to apply for Social Security disability benefits and is still working at a full-time level will usually be denied for benefits based on their work related income. In fact, a claimant who is earning more than the SGA monthly gross income amount of $1,350 will not even be medically reviewed on a claim because the claimant does not meet the technical rules of the Social Security disability program.
Deciding to apply for Social Security disability benefits is the first step of the process, but learning about the rules of Social Security’s programs is crucial to understanding how the process works. The basics are that impairment must keep a worker from working above a certain income level due to their impairments. If this requirement is met Social Security will conduct a medical review.
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