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  How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?
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How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

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  Disability under Social Security for an adult is based on your inability to work because of a medical condition.  To be considered disabled:
  • You must be unable to do work you did before and we decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of a medical condition.
  • Your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Social Security pays only for total disability.  No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.

For adults, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled under Social Security. The process considers  any current work activity you are doing, and your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. For more information, we recommend that you read the publication, Disability Benefits (SSA Publication No. 05-10029)


 
 
 
  
 
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