When you apply for Social Security disability benefits in Georgia, the Social Security Administration will review your application to determine whether you meet the criteria to qualify for benefits. After determining whether you have accumulated enough work credits, the SSA will determine if your medical condition qualifies as a disability under the SSA’s definition. According to the SSA, a disability must last for a minimum of 12 months or be expected to result in death and prevent a person from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
If your medical condition is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, or Listing of Impairments, your injury or condition may automatically be classified as a disability, in accordance with the SSA’s definition. Part A of the Listing of Impairments addresses adult impairments, while Part B addresses impairments in kids under 18. Criteria in Part A can be applied to children’s impairments if the disease affects kids and adults similarly, but the SSA will only use Part A to evaluate a child if Part B criteria do not apply.
The SSA’s Listing of Impairments describes various physical and mental illnesses and injuries affecting different areas of the body. In many cases, applicants with one or more of these listed conditions will qualify for SSDI benefits, as these conditions are generally considered to be severe enough to keep people doing substantial gainful activity. Some of the listed impairments include cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, liver disease, heart failure, and loss of hearing and vision.
If your condition is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you will generally have an easier time getting your benefits approved by the SSA. However, even if your condition is not listed, you can still recover benefits. An attorney who focuses his or her practice on disability benefits may assist you throughout the application process to help get your application approved. If your initial claim is not approved, your attorney can help you file an appeal.
