Disability Benefits for Bank Tellers
Bank tellers are front line employees of banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Their typical duties include receiving deposits from and disbursing cash to bank clientele. The job requires a friendly disposition, the ability to work with the public under mildly stressful conditions, and the ability to use common office equipment such as a cash register, computer, and copying machine. Bank tellers are generally the first people interacted with by bank clientele and the general public and, as such, must be able to appropriately represent the bank to the general public.
Currently, there are over 600,000 bank tellers employed in the United States, and the occupation is expected to experience a moderate growth level of 6% over the next ten years. The job is open to high school graduates who are able to pass a background check. In most cases, on the job training is provided, and outside professional training is unnecessary to obtain a job as a bank teller.
To find work or continue working as a bank teller, you must be able to interact appropriately with the public. In most cases, you will also need to stand or sit for the duration of your shift (typically 4-8 hours). Bank tellers need to be able to concentrate on what they are doing well enough to make accurate transactions and to record all transactions accurately (in most cases this record keeping is done by computer). Bank tellers are considered to have sedentary work, though in some settings, the need to stand and occasionally lift cash drawers may cause the job to be considered light physical work.
Actual on the job hazards faced by bank tellers are fairly mild. While accidents can and do occur at work, these occurrences are fairly rare amongst bank tellers.
Common ailments that affect bank tellers include carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries related to repetitive use of the hands. Back problems are also common, often as the result of having to stand or sit for long periods of time. Because bank tellers are responsible for large amounts of cash and must deal regularly with the public, stress related disorders are also somewhat common.
Working with a Disability as a Bank Teller
Many people fail to realize just how many types of disability can prevent a person from working full time as a bank teller. In the first place, any disability which makes it impossible to sit or stand for long periods of time can make finding or holding a job as a bank teller impossible.
Furthermore, any mental disability which may affect either your ability to pay careful attention to the job at hand or to interact positively with the public and with coworkers can make it very difficult to continue working as a bank teller. Conditions such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and many mood altering disorders can make the day in and day out routine of working with the public unbearable.
If you have a chronic condition which hinders you from continuing to work as a bank teller, you may qualify for Social Security Disability SSDI or SSI benefits. If you have previously worked as a bank teller, you will need to demonstrate that your condition makes it impossible for you to continue in this line of work. You will also need to show that you are incapable of performing other types of work which you have done over the past 15 years.
In general, proving that you are incapable of continuing to work as a bank teller will involve demonstrating that you are incapable of performing sedentary and light physical work. Any condition which hinders your ability to stand, sit, concentrate, and lift light weights should be noted when applying for Social Security Disability benefits.
Filing for Disability as a Disabled Bank Teller
If you become disabled, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible after the onset of your disabling condition. The sooner you apply for disability, the more back pay you may be entitled to after your claim is approved.
Most Social Security Disability applicants are denied benefits after their initial claim. You should not become discouraged if your claim is not immediately approved by the Social Security Administration.
Regardless of what stage of the proceedings you are in, you would be well advised to have a Social Security Disability lawyer to represent you in the claims and appeals process. There is no up front cost to you, and your Social Security lawyer will only collect a percentage of your back pay when your Social Security Disability benefits are approved.
Because being a bank teller is considered light or sedentary work, it is all the more important to have an advocate on your side who understands the Social Security Disability system and how to best present your disabilities in order to show that you are no longer capable of working as a bank teller or performing similar work for which you could reasonably be trained. Contact an experienced disability attorney today so that you can start to receive the disability benefits to which you are entitled.
