Many New York residents are recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. They have qualified in general based an inability to complete job tasks in an acceptable manner for most employers. SSDI is more so a claim of inability to work than being disabled. However, the disability ruling carries other advantages as well because many recipients automatically become eligible for additional benefits along with a monthly monetary payment. There are specific rules that the Social Security Administration follows when approving applications, which is why so many applicants are typically denied eligibility on the first evaluation.

Proving a valid claim

Most Social Security Disability applications are approved through the appeals process. All claimed disabilities must be accompanied by documentation of the stated medical issues and verified by a medical professional. General rules for eligibility begin with having a medical problem that will last for at least one year or eventually result in death. However, there are also additional rules addressing the ability to sit and stand for long periods in performing work that has historically been done by the applicant.

The Blue Book of disabilities

Being approved for SSDI can be difficult because not all conditions per se are already recognized by the SSA. Many cases are unique regarding multiple medical problems, including mental disorders, and applicants must prove their combination of medical issues mimics another recognized disorder. And, even those who have medical issues that are listed in the Blue Book can still be denied based on age and ability to perform other types of work.

Applicants who are over age 50 are usually not subject to an alternate work denial. Additionally, the SSA only approves SSDI for those who have earned enough total credits with 20 of those credits being earned in the past 10 years. Those determined disabled but not qualified for SSDI are then evaluated for Supplemental Security Income.