Living with a disability that makes it difficult or impossible to work can be a frustrating experience. Thankfully, many people who find themselves in this position are eligible to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Since there are many different ailments or conditions that can make someone eligible for these benefits, they have been broken into two main categories: physical and mental. Following is a brief overview of these categories.
Physical conditions
Physical ailments can be easily defined as those that affect the human body. They can have outward appearances such as the loss of a limb or they can be internal such as cancer or other serious illnesses. Some illnesses that qualify under this category include, but are not limited to:
- Back injury
- Blindness
- Hearing loss
- Joint dysfunctions (arthritis)
- Asthma
- Certain skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
Mental conditions
Mental ailments are a bit more difficult to discern. These conditions can be defined as those that affect the mind rather than the body. These conditions often do not have any outwardly defining characteristics, so they can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to prove. However, those who suffer from this type of ailment are no less deserving of disability benefits. Some illnesses that qualify under this category include, but are not limited to:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Autism
- Anxiety-related disorders
- Pervasive developmental disorders
- Traumatic brain injury
Some people who may qualify for benefits due to a more severe mental condition may need a legal guardian to help them through the application process. Also, applicants will have to prove that their condition is so disabling that they cannot perform the types of jobs that only require unskilled labor.
Functional capacity examination
Regardless of your condition, to qualify for disability benefits the state of Ohio requires you to have a functional capacity examination. This test helps the SSA determine if you are capable of any useful work or if the condition has become too debilitating. During this test, a representative from the SSA will look at your mental and physical capabilities and the effects on your ability to work.
If you or someone you love may be eligible for disability benefits through one of these categories, your first step should be to talk to a disability lawyer who can help you through the process. The staff at Liner Legal is experienced and dedicated to helping people get the benefits to which they are entitled. Call us today to see how we can help you.
