Do I Qualify?

Submitted by Deanna on

I was just wondering if i were to qualify for social Security. I have Cerebal Palsey and epilepsy seziures. I recently turned 18 and my parents said i was able to collect social security since i was diagnosis at the age of 3. But they never did because they were my parents. But now since im growing up i think it would really help me out. I'm the only one in my family to have a disability with sezuires and epilepsy seziures. This is all new to my parents and I so i would very much appreciate the help. Please and thank you!

-Kathryn

Molly (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:53 Permalink

Hi Keith,
Unfortunately bunions are not listed in the Social Security Administration blue book. However, this doesn't mean that you won't be approved for disability benefits. If you meet the following requirements, you may qualify under a different listing.
You cannot do work that you did before;
You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
If you believe that you meet these qualifications, I suggest you contact a Social Security disability attorney. He or she will help you determine what listing you may qualify under. Good luck!

Chris Doyle (not verified)

In reply to by Molly (not verified)

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 15:47 Permalink

You really need to point out the diffeence between SSDI and SSI,Most people are confused.

Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:53 Permalink

i was diagnosed with ADHD at 6 and Bipolar a couple of years after. they both make it very difficult to work. I also have a three year old little girl who has a PFO heart mum-or and was 9 weeks premature. Do I qualify for disability benefits? or my daughter?

Molly (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:53 Permalink

Hello, to qualify with ADHD there are certain criteria you must meet. These are as follows:
You must have these three symptoms:
Marked inattention; and
Marked impulsiveness; and
Marked hyperactivity.
As well as at least two of the following conditions:
Marked impairment in age-appropriate cognitive/communication function; and/or
Marked impairment in age-appropriate social functioning; and/or Marked impairment in age-appropriate personal functioning.
It is a little more difficult to identify the qualifying criteria for bipolar disorder because the condition affects people differently. To read more about how to qualify with bipolar disorder, see this page.
Chances are, if your conditions truly make it impossible for you to work, you will qualify for disability benefits. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a Social Security disability attorney to discuss exactly what you need to present your claim successfully.
If you wish to seek disability benefits for your daughter, you would apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify, your daughter's symptoms would have to severely limit her ability to perform every day activities and her condition must last 12 months or result in death. On top of that, because SSI is a needs based program, you would have to qualify financially.
I hope I was able to help. If you have additional questions, I suggest you talk to a Social Security Disability attorney. Good luck!

Brent (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:53 Permalink

I was diagnosed with a severe case of hypertension, osteoarthritis, and obesity. I have had arthoscopy in both knees and was told that eventually will need knee replacements. Due to some of the meds I have increased in weight rapidly and I have come to find out it is the beta blockers that I need that contribute to my not being able to lose the weight with normal exercise. The bad part of this is I can not exert myself or my blood pressure rises and makes me ill to the point of passing out or near to having a stroke. My doctor has recommended that I think about bariatrics and the lap band. with all that said i am curious to know if I qualify for ssi?

Bethanny (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:53 Permalink

I have had Essential Tremors since I was approximately 9 years old. I have had brain surgery x2 for this which has helped, but I still have difficulty with ADL's, etc. ON top of that I have a pinched nerve in my from an auto accident 20+ years ago that still causes me pain and migraines.........just not sure if I would qualify. PS., my tremors even though I have had surgery, continue to progress in severity.

Javier (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:54 Permalink

Do I qualify for social security benefits being an Epileptic?

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:54 Permalink

Hi Javier, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you're epileptic. You will just need to prove to the SSA that your seizures occur at least once per week despite any prescribed treatments from your doctor, along with other medical documents and descriptions. To learn more about being eligible for disability benefits with epilepsy, visit Epilepsy and Social Security Disability to find out if you'd qualify

Lucy (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:54 Permalink

Hi. I am 61 years old, take pain med for arthritis, anti-inflammatory, plus medication for depression. I have taken meds for these conditions since I was in my teens and onward. I applied once and was denied because I was 'too young' at 40. I presently work, but the stress and physical pain are taking their toll on me, my right hand hurts even taking vicodin several times daily. I have some savings but need income to pay rent and food as it takes so long for the judges to do anything. I am scared I will end up falling thru the cracks or homeless or dead. What do people like me do?

Igg (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:54 Permalink

Hi Lucy, thank you for your question and i'm sorry to hear about your situation. I would suggest applying for SSI. Your condition would need to be considered disabling according to the SSA, and you also need to meet the asset and income requirements.
Individual - must not own more than $2,000 in assets excluding the home and one vehicle with market value of $4,500 or less.
Couple - must not own more than $3,000 in assets excluding the home and one vehicle with market value of $4,500 or less.
You can learn more about SSI and the qualification requirements at our Qualify for SSI page. Also, if you'd like a free consultation with an attorney about your specific case fill our the Free Evaluation form.

Byron (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:55 Permalink

will ssn benefits be taken away for felony dui? If so, for how long?

D (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:55 Permalink

Hi Byron, As far as I know, your benefits will not decrease due to a DUI, but if you spend an extended amount of time in jail, you will lose your benefits. If you're in jail for more than 30 days you will have to re-apply for SSI/SSDI benefits.

Pamela (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:55 Permalink

I have been going through menopause and trying to work not sure if the hot flashes and mood swings could be considered a disability. I got fired and don't seem to be eligible for unemployment benefits I am 55 and have no source of income.

D (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:55 Permalink

Hi Pamela,
Menopause will not qualify you for benefits. You can read more about how to qualify, but unless you have additional ailments I would say that you will not be able to receive SSI or SSDI benefits.

Naydenne (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:56 Permalink

I tore my meniscus in my left knee at work and Osteoarthritis has developed as well in that knee. I had knee surgery on the injured knee to repair the meniscus and it improved but I still have increasing Osteoarthritis and left knee pain when working to long and hard on my regular job. I have to wear an ace bandage and I have been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. I am also going to see a gastrointestinal doctor due to acid reflux due to bowel, eating and swallowing can cause some coughing if not careful with eating, burning in my throat and loss of appetite. I have had an IME and was diagnosed as a 2% left lower extremity impairment. I am working fulltime on a very strenuous job physically and my left knee feels like it is becoming more and more degenerative arthritis all the time. Am I an eligible candidate for SSDI benefits and how much could I get if I am eligible? I am 59 years old. I will be 60 in July of 2015.

D (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:56 Permalink

Hi Nadynne,
For your osteoarthritis to qualify you for SSDI in your knee, you would need to be unable to walk without the use of a walker, crutches, etc. You would also need to be unable to climb more than a couple of stairs without a handrail. At your current age, your full retirement age is 66, but you may begin receiving benefits as early as age 62. So you may wait two years to retire, or you can consider taking our Free Disability Evaluation to see if you may qualify for disability benefits.

Sam (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:56 Permalink

I had surgery on my left knee and after six months I can't walk normal or do anything at school. The pain is horrible and I can't deal with it anymore.. The doctor said surgery again to take out the scar tissue. Would I be able to clam SSI? I'M only 18

D (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:56 Permalink

Hi Sam, Unless your ability to walk will be severely disabled for the next year, I do not think that knee surgery will qualify you. You may be able to qualify if you require two crutches or a walker for the rest of your life, and if you're unable to go up stairs without a handrail.

Miranda (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2015 - 10:56 Permalink

Can I get ssi for schizo affective disorder and type 2 diabetes?

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