Does SSD Have Short Term or Partial Disability?
Unfortunately, no. Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly known as SSD, only covers individuals suffering from a total disability and does not cover short-term or partial disability. SSD benefits, which are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), aim to provide benefits for those who have severe disabilities, such that they’re unable to work for a long time.
The primary eligibility criterion that SSA uses is that the disability must be so severe that it makes it impossible for the applicant to hold a full-time job, and the disability will most likely persist for more than one year or lead to death. While the SSA has other requirements for determining an applicant’s eligibility for SSD benefits, this is the main requirement. This means that if you only have a short-term disability or one that only partially impacts your ability to hold a full-time job, you are not a candidate for SSD benefits.
Because there’s no such thing as a partial or short-term disability under the SSD program, to receive SSD benefits, your disability must meet the SSA’s standard of disability.
What is The SSA’s Standard of Disability?
There are various illnesses and injuries that are clearly disabling, including many cancers, advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), advanced kidney disease, congestive heart failure, etc. Other residual illnesses that worsen over time or medical conditions, including chronic diseases, such as asthma, that worsen with age, will eventually become disabling and qualify for SSD. For instance, you may have an existing back injury that progressed over time to the point that it’s impossible or immensely difficult for you to work.
Since SSD is administered by the government, it has stringent rules and requirements for qualifying. To qualify for SSD benefits, all the following must apply to you:
- You must be suffering from a physical or mental disability.
- Your disability is preventing you from performing gainful work.
- Your disability has persisted or is expected to persist for a minimum of one year or is expected to cause death.
However, it is crucial to note that proving that your condition is a valid disability will be challenging because the SSA wants to ensure that the benefits are given to truly disabled individuals. Even if you feel that you can’t work because of your illness or injury or have a doctor or two telling you that you should stop working because of your condition, this doesn’t automatically mean the SSA will readily determine you are disabled and give you benefits.
The SSA has a team of claims assessors and medical experts for evaluating SSD claims. Among other things, they will utilize assessments of the applicant’s residual functional capacity and an approved list of mental and physical illnesses to determine whether an applicant is disabled.
Consult With an Experienced Tennessee Social Security Disability Lawyer
Whether you are planning on applying for SSD benefits or have received a denial of your SSD claim, the Tennessee Social Security Disability lawyers at Raybin & Weissman are here to help. To arrange your free case evaluation with our Social Security Disability lawyer, you can reach us online or call 615-256-6666.